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Page 1

LETTER XL.

Victory, under Majorca,
January 13th, 1804.

My own dear beloved Emma,

I received, on the 9th, your letters of September
29th, October 2, 7, 10, 12, 17th, November 5th, 8th,
to the 24th: and I am truly sensible of all your
kindness and affectionate regard for me; which, I am
sure, is reciprocal, in every respect, from your own
Nelson.

If that Lady Bitch knew of that person’s coming
to her house, it was a trick; but which, I hope, you
will not subject yourself to again. But, I do
not like it!

However, it is passed; and, we must have confidence
in each other: and, my dearest Emma, judging
of you by myself, it is not all the world that could
seduce me, in thought, word, or deed, from all my
soul holds most dear.

Indeed, if I can help it, I never intend to go out
of the ship, but to the shore of Portsmouth; and that
will be, if it pleases God, before next Christmas.
Indeed, I think, long before, if the French will venture
to sea.

I send you a letter from the Queen of Naples.
They call out, might and main, for our protection;
and, God knows, they are sure of me.

Mr. Elliot complains heavily of the expence; and says,
he will retire the moment it is peace. He expected
his family, when they would sit down eleven Elliots!

If, my dear Emma, you are to mind all the reports
you may hear, you may always be angry with your Nelson.

In the first place, instead of eight days, Mr. Acourt;
he came on board one day, just before dinner, and
left me next morning, after breakfast.

What pleasure people can have in telling lies!
But, I care not what they say; I defy them all.

You may safely rely, that I can for ever repeat, with
truth, these words—­for ever I love you,
and only you, my Emma; and, you may be assured, as
long as you are the same to me, that you are never
absent a moment from my thoughts.

I am glad you are going to Merton; you will live much
more comfortable, and much cheaper, than in London:
and this spring, if you like to have the house altered,
you can do it. But, I fancy, you will soon tire
of so much dirt, and the inconvenience will be very
great the whole summer.

All I request, if you fix to have it done, [is] that
Mr. Davison’s architect, who drew the plan,
may have the inspection; and, he must take care that
it does not exceed the estimate.

If it is done by contract, you must not alter;
or a bill is run-up, much worse than if we had never
contracted. Therefore, I must either buy the
materials, and employ respectable workmen, under the
architect; or, contract.

I rather believe, it would be better for me to buy
the materials, and put out the building to a workman;
but, you must get some good advice.

Page 2

LETTER XLI.

Victory, March 14th, [1804]
off Toulon.

Young Faddy, my Dearest Emma, brought me, two days
ago, your dear and most kind letter of November 26th,
and you are sure that I shall take a very early opportunity
of promoting him; and he appears to be grown a fine
young man, but vacancies do not happen very frequently
in this station. However, if he behaves well,
he may be sure of me.

With respect to Mr. Jefferson, I can [neither] say
nor do any thing. The surgeon of the Victory
is a very able, excellent man, and the ship is kept
in the most perfect state of health; and, I would not,
if I could—­but, thank [God] I cannot—­do
such an unjust act, as to remove him. He is my
own asking for! and, I have every reason to be perfectly
content.

Mr. Jefferson got on, by my help; and, by his own
misconduct, he got out of a good employ, and has seen
another person, at Malta hospital, put over his head.
He must now begin again; and act with much more attention
and sobriety, than he has done, to ever get forward
again: but, time may do much; and, I shall rejoice
to hear of his reformation.

I am not surprised, my dearest Emma, at the enormous
expences of the watering place; but, if it has done
my own Emma service, it is well laid out. A thousand
pounds a year will not go far; and we need be great
economists, to make both ends meet, and to carry on
the little improvements. As for making one farthing
more prize-money, I do not expect it; except, by taking
the French fleet: and, the event of that day,
who can foresee!

With respect to Mrs. Graefer—­what she has
done, God and herself knows; but I have made up my
mind, that Gibbs will propose an hundred pounds a
year for her: if so, I shall grant it, and have
done. I send you Mrs. Graefer’s last letter.

Whilst I am upon the subject of Bronte, I have one
word more—­and your good, dear, kind heart,
must not think that I shall die one hour the sooner;
on the contrary, my mind has been more content ever
since I have done: I have left you a part of
the rental of Bronte, to be first paid every half
year, and in advance. It is but common justice;
and, whether Mr. Addington gives you any thing, or
not, you will want it.

I would not have you lay out more than is necessary,
at Merton. The rooms, and the new entrance, will
take a good deal of money. The entrance by the
corner I would have certainly done; a common white
gate will do for the present; and one of the cottages,
which is in the barn, can be put up, as a temporary
lodge. The road can be made to a temporary bridge;
for that part of the Nile, one day, shall be
filled up.

Downing’s canvas awning will do for a passage.
For the winter, the carriage can be put in the barn;
and, giving up Mr. Bennett’s premises, will
save fifty pounds a year: and, another year, we
can fit up the coach-house and stables, which are
in the barn.

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The foot-path should be turned. I did shew Mr. Haslewood the way I
wished it done; and Mr. ------ will have no objections, if we make it
better than ever it has been: and, I also beg, as my dear Horatia is
to be at Merton, that a strong netting, about three feet high, may be
placed round the Nile, that the little thing may not tumble in; and,
then, you may have ducks again in it. I forget, at what place we saw
the netting; and either Mr. Perry, or Mr. Goldsmid, told us where it
was to be bought. I shall be very anxious until I know this is done.

I have had no very late opportunities of sending to
Naples: but, via Malta, I wrote to Gibbs,
to desire he would send over and purchase the amorins.
They will arrive in time. I hope, the watch is
arrived safe.

The British Fair cutter, I hope, is arrived safe.
She has three packets, from me, to England,

The expences of the alterations at Merton you are
not to pay from the income. Let it all be put
to a separate account, and I will provide a fund for
the payment.

All I long for, just now, is to hear that you are
perfectly recovered; and, then, I care for
nothing: all my hopes are, to see you, and be
happy, at dear Merton, again; but, I fear, this miscarriage
of Pichegru’s, in France, will prolong the war.
It has kept the French fleet in port, which we are
all sorry for.

Sir William Bolton was on board yesterday. He
looks thin. The fag in a brig is very great;
and I see no prospect of his either making prize-money,
or being made post, at present: but, I shall omit
no opportunity.

I wrote to Mrs. Bolton a few months ago; and gave
her letter, yesterday, to Bolton. He conducts
himself very well, indeed.

Ever, my dearest Emma, for ever, I am your most faithful,
and affectionate

NELSON & BRONTE.

Although I cannot well afford it, yet I could not
bear that poor blind Mrs. Nelson should be in want
in her old days, and sell her plate; therefore, if
you will find out what are her debts, if they come
within my power, I will certainly pay them.

Many, I dare say, if they had commanded here, would
have made money; but, I can assure you, for prizes
taken within the Mediterranean, I have not more than
paid my expences. However, I would rather pinch
myself, than she, poor soul, should want. Your
good, angelic heart, my dearest beloved Emma, will
fully agree with me, every thing is very expensive;
and, even we find it, and will be obliged to economise,
if we assist our friends: and, I am sure, we
should feel more comfort in it than in loaded tables,
and entertaining a set of people who care not for
us.

An account is this moment brought me, that a small
sum is payable to me, for some neutral taken off Cadiz
in May 1800; so that I shall not be poorer for my
gift. It is odd, is it not?

I shall, when I come home, settle four thousand pounds
in trustees hands, for Horatia; for, I will not put
it in my own power to have her left destitute:
for she would want friends, if we left her in this
world. She shall be independent of any smiles
or frowns!

Page 4

I am glad you are going to take her home; and, if
you will take the trouble with Eliza and Ann, I am
the very last to object.

Tom, I shall certainly assist at college; and, I am
sure, the Doctor expects that I should do the same
for Horace: but I must make my arrangements,
so as not to run in debt.

April 9th.

I have wrote to the Duke; but, by your account, I
fear he is not alive. I write, because you wish
me; and, because I like the Duke, and hope he will
leave you some money. But, for myself, I can have
no right to expect a farthing: nor would I be
a legacy hunter for the world; I never knew any good
come from it.

I send you a letter from Mr. Falconet. I am afraid,
they have made a jumble about the amorins.
And I send you a very impertinent letter from that
old cat. I have sent her a very dry answer, and
told her, I should send the sweetmeats to you.
I always hated the old bitch! But, was she young,
and as beautiful as an angel, I am engaged; I am all,
soul and body, my Emmas: nor would I change her
for all this world could give me.

I would not have Horatia think of a dog. I shall
not bring her one; and, I am sure, she is better without
a pet of that sort. But, she is like her mother,
would get all the old dogs in the place about her.

LETTER XLII.

Victory, April 2d, 1804.

I have, my Dearest Beloved Emma, been so uneasy for
this last month; desiring, most ardently, to hear
of your well doing!

Captain Capel brought me your letters, sent by the
Thisbe, from Gibraltar. I opened—­opened—­found
none but December, and early in January. I was
in such an agitation! At last, I found one without
a date: which, thank God! told my poor heart,
that you was recovering; but, that dear little Emma
was no more! and, that Horatia had been so very ill—­it
all together upset me.

But, it was just at bed-time; and I had time to reflect,
and be thankful to God for sparing you and our dear
Horatia. I am sure, the loss of one—­much
more, both—­would have drove me mad.
I was so agitated, as it was, that I was glad it was
night, and that I could be by myself.

Kiss dear Horatia, for me: and tell her, to be
a dutiful and good child; and, if she is, that we
shall always love her.

You may, if you like, tell Mrs. G. that I shall certainly
settle a small pension on her. It shall not be
large, as we may have the pleasure of making her little
presents; and, my dearest Emma, I shall not be wanting
to every body who has been kind to you, be they servants
or gentlefolks.

Admiral Lutwidge is a good man; and, I like Mrs. Lutwidge—­and
shall, always more, because she is fond of you.

Page 5

Never mind the great Bashaw at the Priory. He
be damned! If he was single, and had a mind to
marry you, he could only make you a Marchioness:
but, as he is situated, and I situated, I can make
you a Duchess; and, if it pleases God, that time may
arrive! Amen. Amen.

As for your friend Lady H——­, she
is, in her way, as great a pimp as any of them.

What a set! But, if they manage their own intrigues,
is not that enough! I am sure, neither you or
I care what they do; much less, envy them their chere
amies.

As for Lord S——­, and the other,
I care nothing about them; for I have every reason,
by my own feelings towards you, to think you care
only for your Nelson.

I have not heard of your receiving the little box
from Naples; bracelets, I fancy, but I did not open
them.

I wish the amorins may come in time for the
conveyance of Captain Layman; who has, most unfortunately,
lost his sloop: he is strongly recommended, by
the governor and garrison of Gibraltar. But, perhaps,
he may not be able to obtain it.

We have such reports about the King’s health,
that the present ministry may be out; and, for what
I know or care, another set may be no better, for
you or me.

As for the Admiralty, let who will be in, they can
neither do me any great good or harm: they may
vex me, a little; but, that will recoil upon themselves.

I hope, however, they will confirm Captain Layman;
for he is attached not only to me, but is a very active
officer. But, it was his venturing to know more
about India than Troubridge, that made them look shy
upon him; and, his tongue runs too fast. I often
tell him, not to let his tongue run so fast, or his
pen write so much.

LETTER XLIII.

Victory, off Toulon,
April 10th, 1804.

MY DEAREST EMMA,

I have received all your truly kind and affectionate
letters, to January 25th, by the Thisbe; and, last
night, your letter of January 13th, by Naples.

The amorins will go under the care of Captain
Layman; who, unfortunately, lost his sloop: but,
with much credit to himself, he has been acquitted
of all blame.

In our present situation with Spain, this letter,
probably, may never reach you. I have wrote fully;
and intend to send them by the Argus, who I expect
to join every minute.

Elphi Bey, I hear, has had all his fine things taken
from him. He escaped into the Desert, and is
pursued; probably, his head is off, long before this
time.

The French fleet came out on the 5th, but went in
again the next morning.

Yesterday, a Rear-Admiral, and seven sail of ships,
including frigates, put their nose outside the harbour.
If they go on playing this game, some day we shall
lay salt upon their tails; and so end the campaign
of, my dearest Emma, your most faithful and affectionate

Page 6

--------

I am glad to hear that you are going to take my dear
Horatia, to educate her. She must turn out an
angel, if she minds what you say to her; and Eliza
and Ann will never forget your goodness.

My health is so, so! I shall get through
the summer; and, in the winter, shall go home.

You will readily fancy all I would say, and do think.

My kind love to all friends.

LETTER XLIV.

Victory, April 19th, 1804.

MY DEAREST EMMA,

I had wrote you a line, intended for the Swift cutter;
but, instead of her joining me, I had the mortification,
not only to hear that she was taken, but that all
the dispatches and letters had fallen into the hands
of the enemy; a very pretty piece of work!

I am not surprised at the capture; but am very much
so, that any dispatches should be sent in a vessel
with twenty-three men, not equal to cope with any
row-boat privateer.

As I do not know what letters of your’s are
in her, I cannot guess what will be said. I suppose,
there will be a publication.

The loss of the Hindostan, was great enough; but,
for importance, it is lost, in comparison to the probable
knowledge the enemy will obtain of our connections
with foreign countries! Foreigners for ever say—­and
it is true—­“We dare not trust England;
one way, or other, we are sure to be committed!”
However, it is now too late to launch out on this
subject.

Not a thing has been saved out of the Hindostan, not
a second shirt for any one; and it has been by extraordinary
exertions, that the people’s lives were saved.

Captain Hallowell is so good as to take home, for
me, wine as by the inclosed list; and, if I can, some
honey. The Spanish honey is so precious, that
if [any one has] a cut, or sore throat, it is used
to cure it. I mention this, in case you should
wish to give the Duke a jar. The smell is wonderful!
It is to be produced no where, but in the mountains
near Rosas.

The Cyprus wine, one hogshead, was for Buonaparte.

I would recommend the wine-cooper drawing it off:
and you can send a few dozens to the Duke; who, I
know, takes a glass every day at two o’clock.

I wish, I had any thing else to send you; but, my
dearest Emma, you must take the will for the deed.

I am pleased with Charlotte’s letter; and, as
she loves my dear Horatia, I shall always like her.

What hearts those must have, who do not! But,
thank God, she shall not be dependent on any of them.

Your letter of February 12th, through Mr. Falconet,
I have received. I know, they are all read; therefore,
never sign your name. I shall continue to write,
through Spain; but never say a word that can convey
any information—­except, of eternal attachment
and affection for you; and that, I care not, who knows;
for I am, for ever, and ever, your, only your,

Page 7

NELSON & BRONTE.

Poor Captain Le Gros had your note to him in his pocket-book,
and that was all he saved.

Mr. Este left him at Gibraltar, and went to Malta
in the Thisbe.

Captain Le Gros is now trying. I think, it will
turn out, that every person is obliged to his conduct
for saving their lives.

She took fire thirteen leagues from the land.

LETTER XLV.

Victory, April 23,1804.

MY DEAREST EMMA,

Hallowell has promised me, if the Admiralty
will give him leave to go to London, that he will
call at Merton.

His spirit is certainly more independent than almost
any man’s I ever knew; but, I believe, he is
attached to me. I am sure, he has no reason to
be so, to either Troubridge or any one at the Admiralty.

I have sent, last night, a box of Marischino Veritabile
of Zara, which I got Jemmy Anderson to buy for me,
and twelve bottles of tokay. I have kept
none for myself, being better pleased that you should
have it.

I am, ever, and for ever, your most faithful and affectionate

NELSON & BRONTE.

Hallowell parted last night; but, being in sight,
I am sending a frigate with a letter to the Admiralty.

May God Almighty bless you, and send us a happy meeting!

LETTER XLVI.

Victory, May 5, 1804.

I find, my Dearest Emma, that your picture is very
much admired by the French Consul at Barcelona; and
that he has not sent it to be admired—­which,
I am sure, it would be—­by Buonaparte.

They pretend, that there were three pictures taken.
I wish, I had them: but they are all gone, as
irretrievably as the dispatches; unless we may read
them in a book, as we printed their correspondence
from Egypt.

But, from us, what can they find out! That I
love you, most dearly; and hate the French, most damnably.

Dr. Scott went to Barcelona, to try to get the private
letters; but, I fancy, they are all gone to Paris.
The Swedish and American Consuls told him, that the
French Consul had your picture, and read your letters;
and, Doctor thinks, one of them probably read the letters.

By the master’s account of the cutter, I would
not have trusted a pair of old shoes in her.
He tells me, she did not sail, but was a good sea-boat.

I hope, Mr. Marsden will not trust any more of my
private letters in such a conveyance; if they choose
to trust the affairs of the public in such a thing,
I cannot help it.

I long for the invasion being over; it must finish
the war, and I have no fears for the event.

I do not say, all I wish; and which, my dearest beloved
Emma—­(read that, whoever opens this letter;
and, for what I care, publish it to the world)—­your
fertile imagination can readily fancy I would say:
but this I can say, with great truth, that I am, FOR
EVER, YOUR’S

Page 8

--------

LETTER XLVII.

Victory, May 27th, 1804.

MY DEAREST EMMA,

Yesterday, I took Charles Connor on board, from the
Phoebe, to try what we can do with him. At present,
poor fellow, he has got a very bad eye—­and,
I almost fear, that he will be blind of it—­owing
to an olive-stone striking his eye: but the surgeon
of the Victory, who is by far the most able medical
man I have ever seen, and equally so as a surgeon,
[says] that, if it can be saved, he will do it.

The other complaint, in his head, is but little more,
I think, than it was when he first came to Deal; a
kind of silly laugh, when spoken to. He always
complains of a pain in the back part of his head; but,
when that is gone, I do not perceive but that he is
as wise as many of his neighbours.

You may rely, my dear Emma, that nothing shall be
wanting, on my part, to render him every service.

Capel—­although, I am sure, very kind to
younkers—–­I do not think, has the
knack of keeping them in high discipline; he lets them
be their own master too much.

I paid Charles’s account, yesterday; since he
has been in the Phoebe, one hundred and fifty-five
pounds, fourteen shillings. However, he must
now turn over a new leaf; and I sincerely hope, poor
fellow, he will yet do well.

I wrote you on the 22d, through Rosas, in Spain; and
I shall write, in a few days, by Barcelona: this
goes by Gibraltar.

I have wrote Admiral Lutwidge; Mrs. Lutwidge must
wait, for I cannot get through all my numerous letters:
for, whoever writes, although upon their own affairs,
are offended if they are not answered.

I have not seen young Bailey: I suppose, he is
in the Leviathan. By the parcel, I see, he is
in the Canopus; and I can, at present, be of no use
to him.

May 30th.

Charles is very much recovered.

I write you, this day, by Barcelona. Your dear
phiz—­but not the least like you—­on
the cup, is safe: but I would not use it, for
the world; for, if it was broke, it would distress
me very much.

Your letters, by Swift, I shall never get back.
The French Consul, at Barcelona, is bragging that
he has three pictures of you from the Swift.

I do not believe him; but, what if he had a hundred!
Your resemblance is so deeply engraved in my heart,
that there it can never be effaced: and, who
knows? some day, I may have the happiness of having
a living picture of you!

Old Mother L——­ is a damned b——­:
but I do not understand what you mean, or what plan.

I am not surprised at my friend Kingsmill admiring
you, and forgetting Mary; he loves variety, and handsome
women.

You touch upon the old Duke; but, I am dull of comprehension:
believing you all my own, I cannot imagine any one
else to offer, in any way.

We have enough, with prudence; and, without it, we
should soon be beggars, if we had five times as much.

Page 9

I wish Mr. Addington had given you the pension; Pitt,
and hard-hearted Grenville, never will.

What a fortune the death of Lord Camelford gives him!

Every thing you tell me about my dear Horatia charms
me. I think I see her, hear her, and admire her;
but, she is like her dear, dear mother.

I am sorry, if your account of George Martin’s
wife is correct; he deserved a better fate. But,
he is like Foley; gave up a great deal, to marry the
relation of a great man: although, in fact, she
is no relation to the Duke of Portland.

I wish, I could but be at dear Merton, to assist in
making the alterations. I think, I should have
persuaded you to have kept the pike, and a clear stream;
and to have put all the carp, tench, and fish who
muddy the water, into the pond. But, as you like,
I am content. Only take care, that my darling
does not fall in, and get drowned. I begged you
to get the little netting along the edge; and, particularly,
on the bridges.

I admire the seal; and God bless you, also! Amen.

The boy, South, is on board another ship, learning
to be a musician. He will return soon, when he
shall have the letter and money. I hope, he will
deserve it; but he has been a very bad boy: but
good floggings, I hope, will save him from the gallows.

Mr. Falcon is a clever man. He would not have
made such a blunder as our friend Drake, and Spencer
Smith. I hear, the last is coming, via
Trieste, to Malta. Perhaps, he wants to get to
Constantinople; and, if the Spencers get in, the Smiths
will get any thing.

Mr. Elliot, I hear, is a candidate for it. He
complains of the expence of Naples, I hear; and, that
he cannot make both ends meet, although he sees no
company.

The histories of the Queen are beyond whatever I have
heard from Sir William. Prince Leopold’s
establishment is all French. The Queen’s
favourite, Lieutenant-Colonel St. Clair, was a subaltern;
La Tour, the Captain in the navy; and, another!

However, I never touch on these matters; for, I care
not how she amuses herself.

It will be the upset of Acton; or, rather, he will
not, I am told, stay.

The King is angry with her; his love is long gone
by.

I have only one word more—­Do not believe
a syllable the newspapers say, or what you hear.
Mankind seems fond of telling lies.

Remember me kindly to Mrs. Cadogan, and all our mutual
friends; and be assured, I am, for ever, my dearest
Emma, your most faithful and affectionate

NELSON & BRONTE.

George Campbell desires me always to present his best
respects; and make mine to good Mr. Yonge. What
can I write him? I am sure, he must have great
pleasure in attending you: and, when you see Sir
William Scott, make my best regards acceptable to
him. There is no man I have a higher opinion
of, both as a public and private character.

Page 10

You will long ago have had my letter; with one to
Davison, desiring he will pay for the alterations
at Merton. I shall send you a letter for the
hundred pounds a month, to the Bank.

LETTER XLVIII.

Victory, June 6th, 1804.

Since I wrote you, my Dearest Emma, on the 30th and
31st May, nothing new has happened; except our hearing
the feu de joie at Toulon, for the declaration
of Emperor.

What a capricious nation those French must be!
However, I think it must, in any way, be advantageous
to England. There ends, for a century, all republics!

By vessels from Marseilles, the French think it will
be a peace; and they say, that several of their merchant
ships are fitting out. I earnestly pray, that
it may be so; and, that we may have a few years of
rest.

I rather believe, my antagonist at Toulon, begins
to be angry with me: at least, I am trying to
make him so; and then, he may come out, and beat me,
as he says he did, off Boulogne.

He is the Admiral that went to Naples in December
1792, La Touche Treville, who landed the grenadiers.
I owe him something for that.

I am better, my dear Emma, than I have been, and shall
get through the summer very well; and I have the pleasure
to tell you, that Charles is very much recovered.
There is no more the matter with his intellects, than
with mine! Quite the contrary; he is very quick.

Mr. Scott, who has overlooked all his things, says,
his clothes, &c. are in the highest order he has ever
seen.

I shall place him in the Niger, with Captain Hilliar,
when he joins; but, all our ships are so full, that
it is very difficult to get a birth for one in any
ship.

Would you conceive it possible! but, it is now from
April 2d, since I have heard direct from Ball.
The average time for a frigate to go, and return,
is from six to seven weeks.

From you, I had letters, April 5th, and the papers
to April 8th, received May 10th, with a convoy.

This goes through friend Gayner.

Sir William Bolton joined last night; and received
his letters, announcing his being called papa.
He is got a very fine young man and good officer.

Lord St. Vincent has desired he may have the first
Admiralty vacancy for post; but nobody will die, or
go home.

A-propos! I believe, you should buy a
piece of plate, value fifty pounds, for our god-daughter
of Lady Bolton; and something of twenty or thirty
pounds value, for Colonel Suckling’s.

But, my Emma, you are not to pay for them, let it
rest for me; or, if the amount is sent me, I will
order payment.

Remember me most kindly to Horatia, good Mrs. Cadogan,
Charlotte, Miss Connor, and all our friends at dear,
dear Merton; where, from my soul, I wish I was, this
moment: then, I sincerely hope, we should have
no cause for sorrow.

Page 11

You will say what is right to Mr. Perry, Newton, Patterson,
Mr. Lancaster, &c. you know all these matters.
God in Heaven bless and preserve you, for ever! prays,
ever, your’s most faithfully,

--------

LETTER XLIX.

Victory, June 10th, 1804.

MY DEAREST EMMA,

I wrote to you, on the 6th, via Rosas:
this goes by Barcelona; to which place I am sending
Sir William Bolton, to fetch Dr. Scott, who is gone
there, poor fellow, for the benefit of his health!

I have just had very melancholy letters from the King
and Queen of Naples, on account of General Acton’s
going to Sicily.

The insolence of Buonaparte was not to be parried
without a war; for which they are unable, if unassisted.

I have letters from Acton, May 28, on board the Archimedes,
just going into Palermo. He will probably return
to Naples, unless new events arise: and that
may be; for a minister, once out, may find some difficulty
in renewing his post. He has acted with great
and becoming spirit.

I am better, but I have been very unwell. It
blows, here, as much as ever. Yesterday was a
little hurricane of wind.

I dare say, Prince Castelcicala knows it by express;
if not, you may tell him, with my best respects.
He, and every one else, may be sure of my attachment
to those good sovereigns. By this route, I do
not choose to say more on this subject.

With my kindest regards to Horatia and your good mother,
Charlotte, Miss C. and all our friends, believe me,
my dear Emma, for ever, your most faithful and affectionate

--------

I fear, Sardinia will be invaded from Corsica before
you get this letter. I have not small ships to
send there, or any where else; not in the proportion
of one to five.

You may communicate this to Mr. Addington, if you
think that he does not know it; but, to no one else,
except Castelcicala, of what relates to Naples.

I have very flattering letters from the Grand Vizier,
in the name of the Sultan; and from Cadir, now Capitan
Pacha.

LETTER L.

Victory, July 1st, 1804.

Although I have wrote you, my dearest Emma, a letter,
by Rosas, of June 27th, not yet gone, the weather
being so very bad, that ships cannot get across the
Gulph of Lyons, yet I will [not] miss the opportunity
of writing by Gibraltar.

You must not, my Emma, think of hearing from me by
way of Malta; it takes as long to send a letter to
Malta, as to England.

The Monmouth, which you complain of not hearing by,
I knew nothing of her movements for some months before.
The ships from Malta, with the convoys, pick up our
letters at Gibraltar. Therefore, do not hurt my
feelings, by telling me that I neglect any opportunity
of writing.

Your letters of April 13th, 22d, and May 13th, through
Mr. Falconet, came safe, a few days ago. Mr.
Falconet is the French banker; and he dare not buy
a little macaroni for me, or let an Englishman into
his house.

Page 12

Gibbs is still at Palermo: I fancy, he will make
a good thing of my estate; however, I wish it was
settled. He wrote me, a short time since, that
he wished I would give him a hint (but without noticing
that it came from him) that I thought Mrs. Graefer
and her child had better go to England; on pretence
of educating her daughter, &c.

But I would have nothing to do with any such recommendation.
It would end in her coming to me, in England; and
saying, that she could not live upon what she had,
and that I advised her to come to England, or she
should not have thought of it.

In short, Gibbs wants to remove her. He is afraid
of his pocket, I fancy; and the daughter is, I fancy,
now in some seminary at Palermo, at Gibbs’s
expence.

I wrote him word, fully, I would advise no such thing;
she was to form her own judgment.

What our friends are after at Naples, they best know.
The poor King is miserable at the loss of Acton.

The Queen writes me about honest Acton, &c. &c. and
I hear, that she has been the cause of ousting him:
and they say—­her enemies—­that
her conduct is all French. That, I do not believe;
although she is likely to be the dupe of French emigres,
who always beset her.

I doubt much, my dear Emma, even her constancy of
real friendship to you; although, in my letter to
Acton, which Mr. Elliot says he read to her, I mentioned
the obligations she was under to you, &c. &c. in very
strong terms.

What could the name of the minister signify!
It was the letter which was wanted to the Prime-Minister.

But, never mind; with prudence, we shall do very well.

I have wrote to Davison, by land: who, I am very
sorry for; but, he never would take a friend’s
caution, and he has been severely bit.

Your accounts of Merton delight me; and you will long
ago have known, that I have directed the bills for
the alterations to be paid. I never could have
intended to have taken it from the hundred pounds a
month.

You will not hear of my making prize-money. I
have not paid my expences these last nine months.

I shall expect to eat my Christmas dinner at Merton;
unless those events happen which I can neither foresee
nor prevent.

I am not well: and must have rest, for a few
months, even should the country [want me;] which,
very likely, they will not. News, I can have
none. April 9th, Leviathan sailed; so government
don’t care much for us.

Kiss my dear Horatia, for me! I hope you will
have her at Merton; and, believe me, my dear Emma,
that I am, for ever, as ever, your attached, faithful,
and affectionate,

NELSON & BRONTE.

LETTER LI.

Victory, August 12th, 1804.

Although, my Dearest Emma, from the length of time
my other letters have been getting to you, I cannot
expect that this will share a better fate; yet, as
the Childers is going to Rosas, to get us some news
from Paris—­which is the only way I know
of what is passing in England—­I take my
chance of the post: but, I expect the Kent will
be in England before this letter; and by which ship
I write to the Admiralty relative to my health.

Page 13

Therefore, I shall only say, that I hope a little
of your good nursing, with ass’s milk, will
set me up for another campaign; should the Admiralty
wish me to return, in the spring, for another year:
but, I own, I think we shall have peace.

The Ambuscade arrived this day fortnight, with our
victuallers, &c. and very acceptable they were.
By her, I received your letters of May 14th, 22d,
and 30th, via Lisbon; and, of April 9th, 18,
15th, May 10th, 18th, 29th, June 1st, 5th, through,
I suppose, the Admiralty.

The box you mention, is not arrived; nor have I a
scrap of a pen from Davison. The weather in the
Mediterranean seems much altered. In July, seventeen
days the fleet was in a gale of wind.

I have often wrote to Davison, to pay for all the
improvements at Merton. The new-building the
chamber over the dining-room, you must consider.
The stair window, we settled, was not to be stopped
up. The underground passage will, I hope, be
made; but I shall, please God, soon see it all.

I have wrote you, my dear Emma, about Horatia; but,
by the Kent, I shall write fully. May God bless
you, my dearest best-beloved Emma! and believe me,
ever, your most faithful and affectionate

--------

Kind love, and regards, to Mrs. Cadogan, and all friends.
God bless you, again and again!

LETTER LII.

Victory, August 20th, 1804.

MY DEAREST EMMA,

The Kent left us three days ago; and, as the wind
has been perfectly fair since her departure, I think
she will have a very quick passage, and arrive long
before this letter. But, as a ship is going to
Rosas, I will not omit the opportunity of writing
through Spain; as, you say, the letters all arrive
safe.

We have nothing but gales of wind; and I have had,
for two days, fires in the cabin, to keep out the
very damp air.

I still hope that, by the time of my arrival in England,
we shall have peace. God send it!

I have not yet received your muff; I think, probably,
I shall bring it with me.

I hope, Davison has done the needful, in paying for
the alterations at Merton. If not, it is now
too late; and we will fix a complete plan, and execute
it next summer. I shall be clear of debt, and
what I have will be my own.

God bless you! Amen. Amen.

George Elliot goes to Malta, for a convoy to England,
this day. If you ever see Lord Minto, say so.

--------

LETTER LIII.

Victory, August 31st, 1804—­Say
30th, at Evening. Therefore, I
wrote, in fact, this Day,
through Spain.

MY EVER DEAREST EMMA,

Yesterday, I wrote to you, through Spain; this goes
by Naples. Mr. Falconet, I think, will send it;
although, I am sure, he feels great fear from the
French minister, for having any thing to do with us.

Page 14

Mr. Greville is a shabby fellow! It never could
have been the intention of Sir William, but that you
should have had seven hundred pounds a year neat money;
for, when he made the will, the Income Tax was double
to what it is at present; and the estate which it is
paid from is increasing every year in value.

It may be law, but it is not just; nor in equity would,
I believe, be considered as the will and intention
of Sir William. Never mind! Thank God, you
do not want any of his kindness; nor will he give you
justice.

I may fairly say all this; because my actions are
different, even to a person who has treated me so
ill.

As to ——­, I know the full extent
of the obligation I owe him, and he may be useful
to me again; but I can never forget his unkindness
to you.

But, I guess, many reasons influenced his conduct,
in bragging of his riches, and my honourable poverty;
but, as I have often said, and with honest pride,
what I have is my own; it never cost the widow a tear,
or the nation a farthing. I got what I have with
my pure blood, from the enemies of my country.
Our house, my own Emma, is built upon a solid foundation;
and will last to us, when his house and lands may
belong to others than his children.

I would not have believed it, from any one but you!
But, if ever I go abroad again, matters shall be settled
very differently.

I am working hard with Gibbs about Bronte, but the
calls upon me are very heavy. Next September,
I shall be clear; I mean, September 1805.

I have wrote to both Acton and the Queen about you.
I do not think she likes Mr. Elliot; and, therefore,
I wish she had never shewn him my letters about you.
We also know, that he has a card of his own to play.

Dr. Scott, who is a good man—­although,
poor fellow! very often wrong in the head—­is
going with Staines, in, the Cameleon, just to take
a peep at Naples and Palermo. I have introduced
him to Acton, who is very civil to every body from
me.

The Admiralty proceedings towards me, you will know
much sooner than I shall. I hope they will do
the thing, handsomely, and allow of my return in the
spring; but, I do not expect it.

I am very uneasy at your and Horatia being on the
coast: for you cannot move, if the French make
the attempt; which, I am told, they have done, and
been repulsed. Pray God, it may be true!

I shall rejoice to hear you and Horatia are safe at
Merton; and happy shall I be, the day I join you.
Gannam Justem.

Gaetano is very grateful for your remembrance of him.
Mr. Chevalier is an excellent servant. William
says, he has wrote twice; I suppose, he thinks that
enough.

This is written within three miles of the fleet in
Toulon, who are looking very tempting. Kind regards
to Mrs. Cadogan, Charlotte, &c. and compliments to
all our joint friends; for they are no friends of
mine, who are not friends to Emma.

Page 15

God bless you, again and again!

Captain Hardy has not been very well: and, I
fancy, Admiral Murray will not be sorry to see England;
especially, since he has been promoted * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * he expects his flag may get up.

LETTER LIV.

Victory, September 29th, 1804.

This day, my dearest Emma, which gave me birth, I
consider as more fortunate than common days; as, by
my coming into this world, it has brought me so intimately
acquainted with you, who my soul holds most dear.
I well know that you will keep it, and have my dear
Horatia to drink my health. Forty-six years of
toil and trouble! How few more, the common lot
of mankind leads us to expect; and, therefore, it
is almost time to think of spending the few last years
in peace and quietness!

By this time, I should think, either my successor
is named, or permission is granted me to come home;
and, if so, you will not long receive this letter
before I make my appearance: which will make us,
I am sure, both truly happy.

We have had nothing, for this fortnight, but gales
of easterly winds, and heavy rains; not a vessel of
any kind, or sort, joined the fleet.

I was in hopes Dr. Scott would have returned from
Naples; and that I could have told you something comfortable
for you, from that quarter: and it is now seven
weeks since we heard from Malta. Therefore, I
know nothing of what is passing in the world.

I would not have you, my dear Emma, allow the work
of brick and mortar to go on in the winter months.
It can all be finished next summer; when, I hope,
we shall have peace, or such an universal war as will
upset that vagabond, Buonaparte.

I have been tolerable well, till this last bad weather,
which has given me pains in my breast; but, never
mind, all will be well when I get to Merton.

Admiral Campbell, who is on board, desires to be remembered
to you. He does not like much to stay here, after
my departure. Indeed, we all draw so well together
in the fleet, that I flatter myself the sorrow for
my departure will be pretty general.

Admiral Murray will be glad to get home; Hardy is
as good as ever; and Mr. Secretary Scott is an excellent
man.

LETTER LV.

Victory, October 7, [1804.]
2 P.M.

I wrote you, my Dearest Emma, this morning, by way
of Lisbon; but a boat, which is going to Torbay, having
brought out a cargo of potatoes, will I think get
home before the Lisbon packet. I shall only say—­Guzelle
Gannam Justem—­and that I love you beyond
all the world! This may be read by French, Dutch,
Spanish, or Englishmen; for it comes from the heart
of, my Emma, your faithful and affectionate

Page 16

NELSON & BRONTE.

I think the gentry will soon come out. I cannot
say more by such a conveyance.

LETTER LVI.

Victory, October 13, 1804.

MY DEAREST EMMA,

The dreadful effects of the yellow fever, at Gibraltar,
and many parts of Spain, will naturally give you much
uneasiness; till you hear that, thank God, we are
entirely free from it, and in the most perfect health,
not one man being ill in the fleet. The cold weather
will, I hope, cure the disorder.

Whilst I am writing this letter, a cutter is arrived
from England with strong indications of a Spanish
war.

I hope, from my heart, that it will not prove one.
But, however that is, my die is cast; and, long before
this time, I expect, another Admiral is far on his
way to supersede me. Lord Keith, I think a very
likely man.

I should, for your sake, and for many of our friends,
have liked an odd hundred thousand pounds; but, never
mind. If they give me the choice of staying a
few months longer, it will be very handsome; and,
for the sake of others, we would give up, my dear Emma,
very much of our own felicity. If they do not,
we shall be happy with each other, and with dear Horatia.

The cutter returns with my answers directly; therefore,
my own Emma, you must only fancy all my thoughts and
feelings towards you. They are every thing which
a fond heart can fancy.

I have not a moment; I am writing and signing orders,
whilst I am writing to my own Emma.

My life, my soul, God in Heaven bless you!

Your letter is September 16th, your last is August
27th.

I have not made myself understood, about Mrs. Bolton’s
money. You give away too much.

Kiss our dear Horatia a thousand times, for your own
faithful Nelson.
I send two hundred pounds, keep it for your own pocket
money.

You must tell Davison, and Haslewood, that I cannot
answer their letters. Linton cannot be fixed;
but you will know whether I come home, or stay, from
Mr. Marsden.

God bless you!

Tell my brother, that I have made Mr. Yonge a Lieutenant,
into the
Sea-horse frigate, Captain Boyle.

Once more, God bless my dearest Emma!

----------

Write your name on the back of the bill, if you send
any person for the money.

I have scrawled three lines to Davison, that he should
not think I neglected him in his confinement.

I have received the inclosed from Allen. Can
we assist the poor foolish man with a character?

LETTER LVII.

Victory, November 23,1804.

As all our communication with Spain is at an end,
I can now only expect to hear from my own dear Emma
by the very slow mode of Admiralty vessels, and it
is now more than two months since the John Bull sailed.

Page 17

I much fear, something has been taken; for they never
would, I am sure, have kept me so long in the dark.
However, by management, and a portion of good luck,
I got the account from Madrid in a much shorter space
of time than I could have hoped for; and I have set
the whole Mediterranean to work, and think the fleet
cannot fail of being successful: and, if I had
had the spare troops at Malta at my disposal, Minorca
would at this moment have had English colours flying.

This letter, my dearest beloved Emma, goes—­although
in Mr. Marsden’s letter—­such a roundabout
way, that I cannot say all that my heart wishes.
Imagine every thing which is kind and affectionate,
and you will come near the mark.

Where is my successor? I am not a little surprised
at his not arriving! A Spanish war, I thought,
would have hastened him. Ministers could not
have thought that I wanted to fly the service, my whole
life has proved the contrary; and, if they refuse me
now: I shall most certainly leave this country
in March or April; for a few months rest I must have,
very soon. If I am in my grave, what are the mines
of Peru to me!

But, to say the truth, I have no idea of killing myself.
I may, with care, live yet to do good service to the
state. My cough is very bad; and my side, where
I was struck on the 14th of February, is very much
swelled; at times, a lump as large as my fist, brought
on, occasionally, by violent coughing: but, I
hope, and believe, my lungs are yet safe.

Sir William Bolton is just arrived from Malta.
I am preparing to send him a cruise, where he will
have the best chance I can give him of making ten
thousand pounds. He is a very attentive, good,
young man.

I have not heard from Naples this age. I have,
in fact, no small craft to send for news.

If I am soon to go home, I shall be with you before
this letter.

May God bless you!

Thomson desires to be most kindly remembered to his
dear wife and children. He is most sincerely
attached to them; and wishes to save what he can for
their benefit.

As our means of communicating are cut off, I have
only to beg that you will not believe the idle rumours
of battles, &c. &c. &c.

LETTER LVIII.

Victory, March 9th, 1805.

I do assure you, my Dearest Emma, that nothing can
be more miserable, or unhappy, than your poor Nelson.

From the 19th of February, have we been beating from
Malta to off Palma; where I am now anchored, the wind
and sea being so very contrary and bad. But I
cannot help myself, and no one in the fleet can feel
what I do: and, to mend my fate, yesterday Captain
Layman arrived—­to my great surprise—­not
in his brig, but in a Spanish cartel; he having been
wrecked off Cadiz, and lost all the dispatches and
letters.

Page 18

You will conceive my disappointment! It is now
from November 2d, that I have had a line from England.

Captain Layman says—­he is sure the letters
are sunk, never to rise again; but, as they were not
thrown overboard until the vessel struck the rock,
I have much fear that they may have fallen into the
hands of the Dons.

My reports from off Toulon, state the French fleet
as still in port; but, I shall ever be uneasy at not
having fallen in with them.

I know, my dear Emma, that it is in vain to repine;
but my feelings are alive to meeting those fellows,
after near two years hard service.

What a time! I could not have thought it possible
that I should have been so long absent; unwell, and
uncomfortable, in many respects.

However, when I calculate upon the French fleet’s
not coming to sea for this summer, I shall certainly
go for dear England, and a thousand [times] dearer
Merton. May Heavens bless you, my own Emma!

I cannot think where Sir William Bolton is got to;
he ought to have joined me, before this time.

I send you a trifle, for a birth-day’s gift.
I would to God, I could give you more; but, I have
it not!

I get no prize-money worth naming; but, if I have
the good fortune to meet the French fleet, I hope
they will make me amends for all my anxiety; which
has been, and is, indescribable.

How is my dear Horatia? I hope you have her under
your guardian wing, at Merton. May God bless
her!

Captain Layman is now upon his trial. I hope
he will come clear, with honour. I fear, it was
too great confidence in his own judgment that got
him into the scrape; but it was impossible that any
person living could have exerted himself more, when
in a most trying and difficult situation.

March 10th.

Poor Captain L. has been censured by the court:
but, I have my own opinion. I sincerely pity
him; and have wrote to Lord Melville, and Sir Evan
Nepean, to try what can be done. All together,
I am much unhinged.

To-morrow, if the wind lasts, I shall be off Toulon.

Sir William Bolton is safe, I heard of him this morning.
I hear, that a ship is coming out for him; but, as
this is only rumour, I cannot keep him from this opportunity
of being made post: and, I dare say, he will
cause, by his delay, such a tumble, that Louis’s
son, who I have appointed to the Childers, will lose
his promotion; and, then Sir Billy will be wished
at the devil! But, I have done with this subject;
the whole history has hurt me. Hardy has talked
enough to him, to rouze his lethargic disposition.

I have been much hurt at the loss of poor Mr. Girdlestone!
He was a good man; but there will be an end of us
all.

What has Charles Connor been about? His is a
curious letter! If he does not drink, he will
do very well. Captain Hilliar has been very good
to him.

Colonel Suckling, I find, has sent his son to the
Mediterranean; taking him from the Narcissus, where
I had been at so much pains to place him. I know
not where to find a frigate to place him. He never
will be so well and properly situated again. I
am more plagued with other people’s business,
or rather nonsense, than with my own concerns,

Page 19

With some difficulty, I have got Suckling placed in
the Ambuscade, with Captain Durban, who came on board
at the moment I was writing.

March 31st.

The history of Suckling will never be done. I
have this moment got from him your letter, and one
from his father. I shall say nothing to him;
I don’t blame the child, but those who took [him]
out of the most desirable situation in the navy.
He never will get into such another advantageous ship:
but, his father is a fool; and so, my dear Emma, that
ends.

The box which you sent me in May 1804, is just arrived
in the Diligent store-ship.

I have sent the arms to Palermo, to Gibbs. The
clothes are very acceptable; I will give you a kiss,
for sending them.

God bless you! Amen.

April 1st.

I am not surprised that we should both think the same
about the kitchen; and, if I can afford it, I should
like it to be done: but, by the fatal example
of poor Mr. Hamilton, and many others, we must take
care not to get into debt; for, then, we can neither
help any of our relations, and [must] be for ever
in misery! But, of this, we [will] talk more,
when we walk upon the poop at Merton.

Do you ever see Admiral and Mrs. Lutwidge? You
will not forget me when you do.

To Mrs. Cadogan, say every thing that is kind; and
to all our other friends: and, be assured, I
am, for ever and ever, your’s, and only your’s,

NELSON & BRONTE.

As I know that all the Mediterranean letters are cut
and smoaked, and perhaps read, I do not send you a
little letter in this; but your utmost stretch of
fancy cannot imagine more than I feel towards
my own dear Emma.

LETTER LIX.

I sent, my own Dearest Emma, a letter for you, last
night, in a Torbay boat, and gave the man a guinea
to put it in the Post-Office.

We have had a nasty blowing night, and it looks very
dirty.

I am now signalizing the ships at Plymouth to join
me; but, I rather doubt their ability to get to sea.
However, I have got clear of Portland, and have Cawsand
Bay and Torbay under the lee.

I intreat, my dear Emma, that you will chear up; and
we will look forward to many, many happy years, and
be surrounded by our children’s children.
God Almighty can, when he pleases, remove the impediment.

My heart and soul is with you and Horatia.

I got this line ready, in case a boat should get alongside.

For ever, ever, I am your’s, most devotedly,

NELSON & BRONTE.

Mr. Rose said, he would write to Mr. Bolton, if I
was sailed; but, I have forgot to give him the direction:
but I will send it, to-day. I think, I shall
succeed very soon, if not at this moment.

Page 20

Wednesday, September 18th,
off the Lizard.

I had no opportunity of sending your letter yesterday,
nor do I see any prospect at present. The Ajax
and Thunderer are joining; but, it is nearly calm,
with a swell from the westward. Perseverance has
got us thus far; and the same will, I dare say, get
us on.

Thomas seems to do very well, and content.

Tell Mr. Lancaster, that I have no doubt that his
son will do very well.

God bless you, my own Emma!

I am giving my letters to Blackwood, to put on board
the first vessel he meets going to England, or Ireland.

Once more, Heavens bless you! Ever, for ever,
your

NELSON & BRONTE.

LETTER LX.

Victory, October 1st, 1805.

MY DEAREST EMMA,

It is a relief to me, to take up the pen, and write
you a line; for I have had, about four o’clock
this morning, one of my dreadful spasms, which has
almost enervated me.

It is very odd! I was hardly ever better than
yesterday. Freemantle stayed with me till eight
o’clock, and I slept uncommonly well; but, was
awoke with this disorder. My opinion of its effect,
some one day, has never altered. However, it
is entirely gone off, and I am only quite weak.
The good people of England will not believe, that rest
of body and mind is necessary for me! But, perhaps,
this spasm may not come again these six months.
I had been writing seven hours yesterday; perhaps,
that had some hand in bringing it upon me.

I joined the fleet late on the evening of the 28th
of September, but could not communicate with them
until the next morning.

I believe, my arrival was most welcome; not only to
the commander of the fleet, but also to every individual
in it: and, when I came to explain to them the
Nelson touch, it was like an electric shock.
Some shed tears, all approved—­“It
was new, it was singular, it was simple!” and,
from Admirals downwards, it was repeated—­“It
must succeed, if ever they will allow us to get at
them! You are, my Lord, surrounded by friends
whom you inspire with confidence.” Some
may be Judas’s; but the majority are certainly
much pleased with my commanding them. * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SUPPLEMENT.

INTERESTING LETTERS,

ELUCIDATORY

OF

Lord Nelson’s Letters

TO

LADY HAMILTON,

&c.

VOL. II.

LETTERS

FROM

LORD NELSON,

TO

MISS HORATIA NELSON THOMSON,

NOW

Page 21

MISS HORATIA NELSON,

(Lord Nelson’s Adopted Daughter;)

AND

MISS CHARLOTTE NELSON,

(Daughter of the present Earl.)

Letters

OF

LORD NELSON, &c.

TO

MISS HORATIA NELSON THOMSON.

Victory, April 13th, 1804.

MY DEAR HORATIA,

I send you twelve books of Spanish dresses, which
you will let your guardian angel, Lady Hamilton, keep
for you, when you are tired of looking at them.
I am very glad to hear, that you are perfectly recovered;
and, that you are a very good child. I beg, my
dear Horatia, that you will always continue so; which
will be a great comfort to your most affectionate

NELSON & BRONTE.

TO MISS CHARLOTTE NELSON.

Victory, April 19th, 1804.

MY DEAR CHARLOTTE,

I thank you very much for your kind letters of January
3d, and 4th; and I feel truly sensible of your kind
regard for that dear little orphan, Horatia.

Although her parents are lost; yet, she is not without
a fortune: and, I shall cherish her to the last
moment of my life; and curse them who curse
her, and Heaven bless them who bless
her! Dear innocent! she can have injured no one.

I am glad to hear, that she is attached to you; and,
if she takes after her parents, so she will, to those
who are kind to her.

I am, ever, dear Charlotte, your affectionate uncle,

NELSON & BRONTE.

LETTERS

FROM

ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ.

TO

LADY HAMILTON.

LETTERS OF ALEX. DAVISON, ESQ. &c.

I.

[1804.]

MY DEAR MADAM,

I have, equally with yourself, felt extremely uneasy
all night, thinking on the letter, which is
a very serious one; and, until we receive our next
dispatches, I shall still feel every day more and
more anxious.

I rely on that kind Providence, which has hitherto
sheltered him under every danger, upon the occasion.

He was on the eve of engaging, for protection—­and
preservation—­It is, indeed, an anxious
moment!

I have long thought, a plan was in agitation regarding
the Toulon fleet being given up; but, whether it was
in contemplation at the period the last letter was
written, I know not. I am rather disposed to
think otherwise.

The next packet will explain the whole; and, I trust,
will relieve our minds of that burden, hardly supportable
at present.

I shall, this evening, go quietly into the country,
and return to town about noon to-morrow: as I
require air, and a little relaxation; for I am, actually,
overpowered with business.

Page 22

Your’s, most truly,
ALEX. DAVISON.
Thursday Morning.

II.

[1804,]

MY DEAR MADAM,

Yesterday, I wrote to you just in time to save the
post: but, whether that letter, or even this,
reach you, I have my doubts—­if they do
not, you have only yourself to blame; for I cannot,
for the soul of me, make out the name of the place.
You have been in such a hurry, when writing it, that
it really is not legible; and I do not sufficiently
know Norfolk, to guess at it.

I did yesterday, as I shall this—­imitate
your writing, leaving it to the Post-Office gentlemen
to find it out.

I acquainted you, that I would take care to obey your
wishes, and hold back your check on Coutts and Co.
till such time as it would be quite convenient to
yourself, and you tell me to send it for payment.

Your mind may be perfectly at ease on that score:
as, indeed, it may in every thing in which you have
to do with me—­though we do, now and then,
differ a little in trifles; but, not in essentials:
having one, only one, object in mind, that of the
comforts, and ultimate happiness, of our dear—­your
beloved Nelson; for whom, what would you or I not
do?

What a world of matter is now in agitation! Every
thing is big with events; and soon, very soon, I hope
to see—­what I have long desired, and anxiously
[been] waiting for—­an event to contribute
to the glory, the independency, of our Nelson.

I still hope, ere Christmas, to see him: that
hope founded on the darling expectation of his squadron
falling in with a rich Spanish flotilla.
I think, too, that the French fleet will now
come out.

I have written to our dear friend every information
I have been able to collect, and have sent him a continuation
of all the newspapers.

It affords me particular pleasure, to hear you feel
so happy in Norfolk. How is it possible it can
be otherwise! seated, as you are, in the midst of
the friends of your best friend; enjoying every kindness
and attention in their power to shew to the favourite
of their brother.

I shall be very much rejoiced, when you come back,
to talk over very interesting objects which our dear
friend will now have to pursue.

My best respects to your fire-side; and believe me,
most sincerely, your’s,

ALEX. DAVISON.

III.

Saturday, 22d September 1804.

MY DEAR MADAM,

Ever obedient to your lawful commands, I have
implicitly obeyed your orders, in the purchase, this
morning, of Messrs. Branscomb and Co. four quarter
lottery-tickets—­

{ No. 593.} { 10,376.} { 14,381.}
{ 20,457.}

Each, I hope, will come up prize; and be entitled
to receive, at least, on the whole, twenty thousand
pounds! I paid eighteen pounds eight shillings
for them; and I have written upon the back of each—­“Property
of Lord Nelson, 22d September 1804. A.D."

Page 23

When I have the pleasure of seeing you, I shall deliver
the trust over to you, to receive the bespoken
said sum of twenty thousand pounds. What a glorious
receipt will it be!

I am glad you received my letters, though I could
not make out the name of the place; the Post-Office
runners are expert at it.

What do you say to a Spanish war? I think, now,
the breeze begins to freshen; and that the flames,
at last, will succeed.

I sent off, last night, a very long epistle to our
dear Nelson. I am truly distressed at his not
receiving my letters; though I can pretty well guess
how to account for it, and in whose hands they were
detained. Experience teaches us how better to
guard against similar misfortunes; and, in future,
I shall be cautious to whom I give my letters.

So that I know the Hero of heroes is well, I care
the less about letters; knowing that writing, delivering,
or receiving them, will not, either in him or me,
make the least alteration, or lessen our attachment
or affection.

I am pleased to see how happy you are in Norfolk.
I wish you may not find it so fascinating, that the
arrival of “Lord Nelson” at Merton would
not induce you to [quit] the county!!!

I beg you will make my best respects acceptable to
every friend (real) of that invaluable man,
Lord Nelson.

Your’s, most truly,
ALEX. DAVISON.

Letter

from

Lady Hamilton

TO

ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ.

INCLOSING

Her Ladyship’s Verses on Lord Nelson.

Letter OF Lady Hamilton, &c.

Clarges Street,
[26th January 1805.]

I have been very ill, my Dear Sir; and am in bed with
a cold, very bad cold indeed! But, the moment
I am better, I will call on you.

I am invited to dine with Mr. Haslewood to-morrow,
but fear I shall not be able to go.

I am very anxious about letters; but Admiral Campbell
has told me, he thinks my dear Lord will soon be at
home. God grant! for, I think, he might remove
that stumbling-block, Sir John O! Devil take him!

That Polyphemus should have been Nelson’s:
but, he is rich in great and noble deeds; which
t’other, poor devil! is not. So, let dirty
wretches get pelf, to comfort them; victory belongs
to Nelson. Not, but what I think money necessary
for comforts; and, I hope, our, your’s,
and my Nelson, will get a little, for all Master
O.

I write from bed; and you will see I do, by my scrawl.

I send you some of my bad Verses on my soul’s
Idol.

God bless you! Remember, you will soon be free;
and let that cheer you, that you will come out with
even more friends than ever. I can only say,
I am your ever obliged, and grateful,

Page 24

EMMA HAMILTON.

I long to see and know Nepean! Why will you not
ask me to dine with, him en famille?

{Yes.}
{_A.D._}

* * * *
*

EMMA TO NELSON.

I think, I have not lost my heart;
Since I, with truth, can swear,
At every moment of my life,
I feel my Nelson there!

If, from thine Emma’s breast, her
heart
Were stolen or flown away;
Where! where! should she my Nelson’s
love
Record, each happy day?

If, from thine Emma’s breast, her
heart
Were stolen or flown away;
Where! where! should she engrave, my Love!
Each tender word you say?

Where! where! should Emma treasure up
Her Nelson’s smiles
and sighs?
Where mark, with joy, each secret look
Of love, from Nelson’s
eyes?

Then, do not rob me of my heart,
Unless you first forsake it;
And, then, so wretched it would be,
Despair alone will take it.

Letter

from

Lady Hamilton

TO THE

RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY ADDINGTON,

NOW

VISCOUNT SIDMOUTH.

Letter of Lady Hamilton, &c.

April 13th. [1803.]

SIR,

May I trouble you, and but for a moment, in consequence
of my irreparable loss; my ever-honoured husband,
Sir William Hamilton, being no more! I cannot
avoid it, I am forced to petition for a portion of
his pension: such a portion as, in your wisdom
and noble nature, may be approved; and so represented
to our most gracious Sovereign, as being right.
For, Sir, I am most sadly bereaved! I am now
in circumstances far below those in which the goodness
of my dear Sir William allowed me to move for so many
years; and below those becoming the relict of such
a public minister, who was proved so very long—­no
less than thirty-six years—­and, all his
life, honoured so very much by the constant friendly
kindness of the King and Queen themselves: and,
may I mention—­what is well known to the
then administration at home—­how I, too,
strove to do all I could towards the service of our
King and Country. The fleet itself, I can truly
say, could not have got into Sicily, but for
what I was happily able to do with the Queen of Naples,
and through her secret instructions so obtained:
on which depended the refitting of the fleet in Sicily;
and, with that, all which followed so gloriously at
the Nile. These few words, though seemingly much
at large, may not be extravagant at all. They
are, indeed, true. I wish them to be heard, only
as they can be proved; and, being proved, may I hope
for what I have now desired?

Page 25

I am, Sir, with respect more than I can well utter,
your obedient servant,

EMMA HAMILTON.

Letters

FROM

SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B.

TO

LADY HAMILTON.

Letters OF SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B. _&c._

I.

Persano, [Wednesday]
Jan. 4, 1792.

We arrived here, yesterday, in little more than five
hours, and had nearly began with a disagreeable accident;
for the King’s horse took fright at the guard,
and his Majesty and horse were as near down as possible.
However, all ended well; and he was as gay as possible,
yesterday.

Our first chasse has not succeeded; though
there were two wolves, and many wild boars, in the
Mena: but the king would direct how we
should beat the wood, and began at the wrong end; by
which the wolves and boars escaped, and we remained
without shooting power. However, ten or twelve
boars have been killed, some how or other, and some
large ones.

The King’s face is very long, at this moment;
but, I dare say, to-morrow’s good sport will
shorten it again.

I was sorry, my dear Em. to leave you in affliction:
you must harden yourself to such little misfortunes
as a temporary parting; but, I cannot blame you for
having a good and tender heart. Believe me, you
are in thorough possession of all mine, though I will
allow it to be rather tough.

Let us study to make one another as comfortable as
we can; and “banish sorrow, till to-morrow:”
and so on, every day.

You are wise enough to see the line it is proper for
you to take; and have, hitherto, followed it most
rigorously: and I can assure you, that I have
not the least doubt of your continuing in it.

Amuse yourself as well as you can, as I am doing,
whilst we are separate; and the best news you can
give me is, that you are well and happy.

My cold is already better for having passed the whole
day in the open air, and without human seccatura.

II.

Persano, Thursday,
[Jan. 5th, 1792.]

We got home early, and I have not yet received your
Daily Advertiser.

No sport, again! In the midst of such a quantity
of game, they have contrived to carry him far off,
where there is none. He has no other comfort,
to-day, than having killed a wild cat; and his face
is a yard long.

However, his Majesty has vowed vengeance on the boars
to-morrow, and will go according to his own fancy;
and, I dare say, there will be a terrible slaughter.

The last day, we are to keep all we kill; and, I suppose,
it will be night before we get home.

Page 26

Yesterday, the courier brought the order of St. Stephano,
from the Emperor, for the Prince Ausberg, and the
King was desired to invest him with it. As soon
as the King received it, he ran into the Prince’s
room; whom he found in his shirt, and without his breeches:
and, in that condition, was he decorated with the
star and ribbon by his Majesty, who has wrote the
whole circumstance to the Emperor.

Leopold may, perhaps, not like the joking with his
first order. Such nonsense should, certainly,
be done with solemnity; or it becomes, what it really
is, a little tinsel, and a few yards of broad ribbon.

The Prince, entre nous, is not very wise; but
he is a good creature and we are great friends.

I have wrote to Mrs. Dickinson. I forget whether
you have, or not: if not, pray do it soon; for,
you know, she is a good friend of your’s.

I have just received your good letter. I am glad
they have taken the Guarda patana’s son-in-law.
I insist upon Smith’s letting the Regent of
the Vicaria know of his having stabbed my porter.
He ought to go to the gallies; and my honour is concerned,
if this insult offered my livery is unnoticed.
The girl had better cry, than be ill-used, and her
father killed.

Adieu, my sweet Em. Your’s, with all my
heart,

W.H.

III.

Persano, Friday Evening.
[Jan. 6th, 1792.]

I Inclose our friend Knight’s admirable letter
to you. I could not refrain reading it; and,
I am sure, it was his intention I should do so, having
left it unsealed. He is a fine fellow; it was
worth going to England, to secure such a sensible
friend.

You will probably have seen General Werner last night;
this is Friday night, and he will have told you I
am well.

We have been out all day in the rain; I killed none,
and the King and party but few. Such obstinate
bad weather I really never experienced, for so long
a time together.

You did perfectly right in buying the lamps; and I
am glad the Prince asked to dine with you. I
am sure, he was comfortably received by you.

You see what devils [there are] in England! They
wanted to stir up something against me; but our conduct
shall be such as to be unattackable: and I fear
not an injustice from England. Twenty-seven years
service—­having spent all the King’s
money, and all my own, besides running in debt, deserves
something better than a dismission!

The King has declared, he will return to Naples next
Saturday se’n-night; so you know the worst,
my dear Emma. Indeed, I shall embrace you most
cordially; for I would not be married to any woman,
but yourself, on earth, for all the world.

Lord A. Hamilton’s son, you see, recommends
a friend of his; who, I suppose, is arrived:
if so, receive him well.

Adieu, again! Your’s, ever,

W.H.

IV.

Page 27

Persano, Saturday Night,
[January 7th, 1792.]

This has been one of the cruel days which attend the
King’s chasse. All the posts—­except
the King’s, Prince Ausberg, D’Onerato,
and Priori—­bad.

We have been out all day, in cold rain, without seeing
a boar. The King has killed twenty-five, and
a wolf; and the other good posts, in proportion.

Why not rather leave us at home, than go out with
the impossibility of sport? But we must take
the good and bad, or give it up.

Lamberg is too delicate for this business; he has
been in bed, with a slight fever, all to-day.

You will have another boar, to-day; which boar being
a sow, I have made a bull! The
sows are much better than the boars; so you may keep
some to eat at home, and dispose of the rest to your
favourite English.

I am glad all goes on so well. I never doubted
your gaining every soul you approach.

I am far from being angry at your feeling the loss
of me so much! Nay, I am flattered; but, believe
me, the time will soon come, that we shall meet.
Years pass seemingly in an instant; why, then, afraid
of a few days?

Upon the whole, we are sociable here; but we go to
bed at nine, and get up at five o’clock.
I generally read an hour, to digest my supper; but,
indeed, I live chiefly on bread and butter.

Salandra desires his compliments to you, as does Lamberg
and Prince Ausberg.

Adieu, my dear Emma! Ever your’s, and your’s
alone,

W.H.

I send you back your two letters. Dutens was
very satisfactory. I send the papers to Smith;
who will give them to you first, if you have not read
them.

The cold and fatigue makes my hand something like
your’s—­which, by the bye, you neglect
rather too much: but, as what you write is good
sense, every body will forgive the scrawl.

V.

Sunday Night, [Jan. 8th, 1792.]

We are come in late; and I have but a moment to tell
you we are well, and I have killed three large boars,
a fox, and four woodcocks.

Nothing pleases me more, than to hear you do not neglect
your singing. It would be a pity, as you are
near the point of perfection.

Adieu, my dearest Emma! Your’s, with my
whole soul,

W.H.

VI.

Persano, [Monday]
January 10th, [9th] 1792.

Your letter of yesterday, my Sweet Em. gave me great
pleasure; as, I see, all goes on perfectly right for
you at Naples.

Your business, and mine, is to be civil to all, and
not enter into any party matters. If the Wilkinsons
are not content with our civilities, let them help
themselves.

We have had a charming day, and most excellent sport.
More than a hundred wild boars, and two wolves, have
fallen. I killed five boars, truly monsters!
and a fox.

Page 28

Vincenzo could not follow me to-day; he cannot walk
two steps, without being out of breath. However,
I load the guns myself; and, with the peasant I brought
from Caserta, and another I hire here, I do very well.
I fear, poor Vincenzo will not hold long. If he
chooses it, I mean to send him to Naples, to consult
Noody [Nudi.]

General Werner, Prince of Hesse, and Count Zichare,
are here since last night; they brought me your compliments.
Lamberg is still confined.

VII.

Persano, [Tuesday]
Jan. 10th, 1792.

The day has been so thoroughly bad, that we have not
been able to stir out; and the King, of course, in
bad humour. I am not sorry to have a day’s
repose, and I have wrote my letters for to-morrow’s
post.

Lamberg is still in bed with a fever, and Prince Ausberg’s
eyes are a little inflamed with cold and fatigue.
My cold was renewed a little yesterday; but a good
night’s rest, and quiet to-day, has set all to
rights again.

Vincenzo was so bad, yesterday, that he could not
follow me, and was blooded. He is better, to-day;
but he will never serve more, except to load my guns
at the post. He cannot walk a mile, without being
out of breath.

I am glad you have been at the Academy, and in the
great world. It is time enough for you to find
out, that the only real comfort is to be met with
at home; I have been in that secret some time.

You are, certainly, the most domestic young woman
I know: but you are young, and most beautiful;
and it would not be natural, if you did not like to
shew yourself a little in public.

The effusion of tenderness, with regard to me, in
your letter, is very flattering; I know the value
of it, and will do all I can to keep it alive.
We are now one flesh, and it must be our study to keep
that flesh as warm and comfortable as we can.
I will do all in my power to please you, and I do
not doubt of your doing the same towards me.

Adieu, my dearest Emma! Having nothing interesting
to write, and as you insist upon hearing from me every
day, you must content yourself with such a stupid
letter as this.

VIII.

I have just received your letter—­and, as
I always do—­with infinite pleasure.

I hope you received twelve wood-biddies, to-day; and,
to-morrow, you will have a wild boar: all left
to your discretion.

No talk of returning, yet. We must complete sixteen
days shooting, and one day has been lost by bad weather.

We had a good day, and tolerable sport. I have
killed two, and one the largest boar I have seen yet
here.

Page 29

Vincenzo, they say, will be well in a day or two,
as it is only a cold; I fear, it is more serious.

The King has killed twenty-one boars to-day, and is
quite happy.

The Germans all drink tea with me every evening.
Lamberg is better.

Adieu, my ever dear Emma! We are always in a
hurry; though we have, absolutely, nothing to do,
but kill, examine, and weigh, wild boars.

I assure you, that I shall rejoice when I can embrace
you once more. A picture would not content me;
your image is more strongly represented on my heart,
than any that could be produced by human art.

Your most affectionate husband,

W.H.

IX.

Persano, Thursday Night,
[Jan. 12th, 1792.]

Never put yourself in a hurry, my dear Emma.

I have got your two kind letters. Send for Gasparo;
and give your orders, that the servants attend your
call: and let him discharge them, if they do
not. You are my better half, and may command.
Translate this part of the letter to him.

We have had good sport to-day, though the bad weather
came on at eleven o’clock. Fifty-four wild
boars have been killed, I had seven shot; and killed
five, three of which are enormous. Dispose of
the boar I send you to-day as you think proper.

I always thought Ruspoli a dirty fellow; but what
has he done of late?

As to your mother’s going with you to the English
parties, very well; but, believe me, it will be best
for her, and more to her happiness, to stay at home,
than go with you to the Neapolitan parties.

The King is in good humour to-day, as I foretold.
We continue to dine at eight at night, and have nothing
from breakfast to that hour. But I give tea and
bread and butter, of which Prince Ausberg and Lamberg
partake with pleasure. The Prince, having no opportunity
of making love, does nothing but talk of his new flame,
which is Lady A. Hatton. I put him right; for
he thought she spelt her name with two rr,
instead of two tt.

I rejoice at your having Aprile again; pray, tell
him so: for I know the rapid progress you will
make under his care.

My cold is near gone. The worst is, my room smokes
confoundedly; and so do all the other rooms, except
the King’s.

Adieu, my dear Emma! Amuse yourself as well as
you can; and believe me, ever, your’s alone,
with the utmost confidence,

W.H.

X.

Persano, Friday Night,
[Jan. 13th, 1792.]

We have had a miserable cold day, but good sport.
I killed two boars, and a doe; the King, nineteen
boars, two stags, two does, and a porcupine.
He is happy beyond expression.

I send you Charles’s letter; but do not lose
it, as I will answer it when I return. You see,
the line we have taken will put it out of the power
of our enemies to hurt us. I will give up my judgment
of worldly matters to no one.

Page 30

I approve of all you do in my absence; but it would
be nonsense, and appear affected, to carry your scruples
too far. Divert yourself reasonably. I am
sure of your attachment to me, and I shall not easily
be made to alter my opinion of you.

My cold is better, notwithstanding the weather.

I have no time to in’gler; so, adieu!
my dearest wife.

Your’s,

W.H.

P.S. Let Gasparo pay thirty ducats, for the
vase, to D. Andrea.

By way of charity, we may give thirty ounces to that
shabby dog, Hadrava; though he knows the picture is
not worth more than ten at most. His writing
to you in such a stile is pitiful indeed. You
will often have such letters, if you do not tell him,
now, that it is for once and all.

XI.

Persano, Saturday,
14th Jan. [1792.]

MY DEAR EMMA,

I have received a letter from Douglass; with one inclosed,
from Mr. Durno; who, to my surprise, says, he has
not received my order on Biddulph, Cockes, and Co.
for one thousand five hundred and ninety pounds; which,
you know, I sent from Caserta.

I find, in my book of letters, 20th of December, that
I wrote, that day, a letter to Mr. Burgess, to deliver
to Messieurs Biddulph and Co.—­to Lord Abercorn—­and
to Mr. Durno, with the order inclosed.

Pray, send for Smith; and ask him, if he remembers
having put such letters in the post, and let him inquire
at the Naples post about them: and let him send
the inclosed, by Tuesday’s post, to Rome.

I certainly will not give another order until this
matter is cleared up. I fear some roguery.

We have had a fine day, and killed numberless boars;
a hundred and fifty, at least. I have killed
four, out of six shot; and am satisfied, as one is
a real monster—­the King, thirty—­D’Onerato,
eighteen,—­and so on, the favoured shooters.

Vincenzo is rather better, but not able to serve me.

My best compliments to Alexander Hamilton. You
did well, to invite
Copley.

Adieu! my sweet Em. Ever your’s, in deed
and in truth,

W.H.

XII.

Persano, Sunday,
Jan. 15, 1792.

You did admirably, my Dear Em. in not inviting Lady
A.H. to dine with the Prince; and still better, in
telling her, honestly, the reason. I have always
found, that going straight is the best method, though
not the way of the world.

You did, also, very well, in asking Madame Skamouski;
and not taking upon you to present her, without leave.

In short, consult your own good sense, and do not
be in a hurry; and, I am sure, you will always act
right.

We have been at it again, this morning, and killed
fifty boars; but were home to dinner, at one o’clock:
and this is the first dinner I have had, since I left
you; for I cannot eat meat breakfasts or suppers,
and have absolutely lived on bread and butter and tea.

Page 31

As the Prince asked you, you did well to send for
a song to Douglass’s; but, in general, you will
do right to sing only at home.

The King is very kind to me, and shews every one that
he really loves me: and he commends my shooting;
having missed but very few, and killed the largest
of the society. Only think of his not being satisfied
with killing more than thirty, yesterday! He said,
if the wind had favoured him, he should have killed
sixty at least.

We must be civil to Mr. Hope, as recommended by Lord
Auckland; and also to Monsieur de Rochement, and Prince
Bozatinsky, as recommended by my friend Saussure.
I inclose his letter, as you are mentioned in it;
also Knight’s, as you desire. God knows,
we have no secrets; nor, I hope, ever shall.

We have much business between this and Saturday:
and we are to shoot, Saturday morning; so that we
shall arrive late.

What say you to a feet washing that night? O che
Gusto! when your prima ora is over, and
all gone.

Adieu, my sweet Emma! Ever your’s,

W.H.

XIII.

Persano, Monday Night,
[Jan. 16th, 1792.]

For your long and interesting letter, I can only write
a line, to tell you I am well.

We have been out, till an hour in the night, from
day-break; and I have fired off my gun but once, having
had a bad post. The King, and favoured party,
have diverted themselves. To-morrow will, probably,
be a good day for me.

Pray, let Smith get orders for the Museum, &c. for
Lord Boyle and Mr. Dodge, as they are recommended
by Mr. Eden.

Adieu, my lovely Emma! Let them all roll on the
carpet, &c. provided you are not of the party.
My trust is in you alone.

Your’s, ever,

W.H.

XIV.

Persano, Tuesday Night,
[Jan. 17, 1792.]

I told you, my Dear Em. that I expected good sport
to-day! I have killed five boars, and two great
ones got off after falling; two bucks; six does; and
a hare: fourteen in all.

By the bye, I must tell you, that accept and
except are totally different. You always
write—­“I did not except of
the invitation;” when, you know, it should be
“accept.” It is, only, for
want of giving yourself time to think; but, as this
error has been repeated, I thought best to tell you
of it.

Pray, write a very kind letter to our friend the Archbishop;
and convince him, that Emma, to her friends, is unalterable.
Do not say a word about the telescope; for, I must
try it, first, against mine. If it should be
better, I cannot part with it, as you know how much
use we make of a telescope.

The King has killed eighty-one animals, of one sort
or other, to-day; and, amongst them, a wolf, and some
stags. He fell asleep in the coach; and, waking,
told me he had been dreaming of shooting. One
would have thought, he had shed blood enough.

Page 32

This is a heavy air; nobody eats with appetite, and
many are ill with colds.

We shall be home on Saturday; and, indeed, my sweet
Emma, I shall be most happy to see you.

To-morrow, we go to a mountain; but no great expectation
of sport.

Your’s, ever, my dear wife,

W.H.

XV.

Persano, Wednesday,
[Jan. 18th, 1792.]

It was not your white and silver, alone, that made
you look like an angel, at the Academy. Suppose
you had put it on nine parts out of ten of the ladies
in company, would any one have appeared angelic?

I will allow, however, that a beautiful woman, feeling
herself well dressed, will have a sort of confidence,
which will add greatly to the lustre of her eye:
but take my word, that, for some years to come, the
more simply you dress, the more conspicuous will be
your beauty; which, according to my idea, is the most
perfect I have yet met with, take it all in all.

It is long-faced day with the King. We went far;
the weather was bad; and, after all, met with little
or no game: I did not fire off my gun.

Yesterday, when we brought home all we killed, it
filled the house, completely; and, to-day, they are
obliged to white-wash the walls, to take away the
blood. There were more than four hundred; boars,
deer, stags, and all.

To-morrow, we are to have another slaughter; and not
a word of reason or common sense do I meet with, the
whole day, till I retire to my volumes of the old
Gentleman’s Magazine, which just keeps my mind
from starving.

Except to-day, on a mountain, I have never felt the
least appetite; there, I eat the wings of a cold chicken
with pleasure.

Hamilton is delighted with your civilities. He
has wrote me a long letter. I do not mean to
keep pace with him in writing; so, send him a line
or two, only, in answer.

I do not recollect the name of Marino Soolania; and,
if I received a letter from him, it was in the hurry
of my arrival, and is lost: so that Smith may
desire the Dutch Consul to desire him to write again,
and I will answer.

I always rejoice when I find you do not neglect your
singing. I am, I own, ambitious of producing
something extraordinary in you, and it is nearly done.

Adieu! my sweet Em. I rejoice that the time of
our re-union is so near—­Saturday night!

W.H.

XVI.

Venasso, Friday,
27th January 1794.

MY DEAR EM.

By having grumbled a little, I got a better post to-day;
and have killed two boars and a sow, all enormous.
I have missed but two shot since I came here; and,
to be sure, when the post is good, it is noble shooting!
The rocks, and mountains, as wild as the boars.

The news you sent me, of poor Lord Pembroke, gave
me a little twist; but I have, for some time, perceived,
that my friends, with whom I spent my younger days,
have been dropping around me.

Page 33

Lord Pembroke’s neck was very short, and his
father died of an apoplexy.

My study of antiquities, has kept me in constant thought
of the perpetual fluctuation of every thing.
The whole art is, really, to live all the days
of our life; and not, with anxious care, disturb the
sweetest hour that life affords—­which is,
the present! Admire the Creator, and all his
works, to us incomprehensible: and do all the
good you can upon earth; and take the chance of eternity,
without dismay.

You must tell the Archbishop, that he will have the
Leyden gazettes a week later; as I cannot read them
time enough to send by this messenger.

The weather is delightful; and, I believe, we shall
have done all our business, so as to return on Thursday.

Pray, find out if the Queen goes to Caserta.
Here, all is a profound secret.

I must work hard, myself, at translating, when I return;
for I believe the language-master totally incapable
of it.

I dined, this morning, at nine o’clock; and,
I think, it agreed better with me than tea. I
found myself growing weak, for want of a good meal,
not daring to eat much at supper.

XVII.

Burford, Eighty Miles from London.
Saturday Night, [July 27th, 1801.]

Here we are, my Dear Emma, after a pleasant day’s
journey! No extraordinary occurrence. Our
chaise is good, and would have held the famous “Tria
juncta in Uno,” very well: but, we must
submit to the circumstances of the times.

Sir Joseph Bankes we found in bed with the gout:
and, last night, his hot-house was robbed of its choicest
fruit—­peaches and nectarines.

Amuse yourself as well as you can; and you may be
assured, that I shall return as soon as possible,
and you shall hear from me often.

Ever your’s, my dear Emma, with the truest affection,

Wm. HAMILTON.

My kindest love to my Lord, if he is not gone.

P.S. Corn, at this market, fell fifteen pounds
a load to-day.

Letters

FROM

SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B.

TO

LORD NELSON.

Letters OF SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B. &c.

I.

[Written before LORD NELSON’S Elevation to
the Peerage.]

Naples, March 26th, 1796.

MY DEAR SIR,

Page 34

The moment I received your letter of the 11th of March
from Leghorn, I went with it to General Acton:
and, although I could not, from your letter only,
in my Ministerial character, demand from this Court
the assistance of some of their xebecs, corvettes,
&c. that are the fittest for going near shore; as
I think, with you, that such vessels are absolutely
necessary on the present occasion, I told his Excellency—­that
I trusted, as this government had hitherto shewn itself
as sanguine in the good cause, and more so, than any
of the allies of Great Britain, that he would lay
your letter before the King at Naples; and, without
waiting for the demand which I should probably receive
soon from Sir John Jervis, send you such small armed
vessels as his Excellency thought would be proper
for the service on which you are employed.

The General, without hesitation, said—­that
orders should be immediately given for the preparing
of such a flotilla, which should join you as soon
as the weather would permit. At present, indeed,
it is not very encouraging for row-boats.

We wait a courier from Vienna, to decide the march
of eight thousand eight hundred infantry, and artillery
included, intended to join the Emperor’s army
in Italy: and, although the Grand Duke of Tuscany
has refused the permission for these troops to march
through his dominions, the King of Naples has told
his son-in-law that, whenever the safety of Italy
should require it, he would, nevertheless, march them
through Tuscany; a liberty which the Emperor would
likewise take, whenever the good of the service required
it.

However, the thousand cavalry sent from hence have
taken their route, by Loretto, through the Pope’s
state.

We have had, as I suppose you know, the Admirals Hotham
and Goodall here, for some weeks. I can, entre
nous, perceive that my old friend Hotham is not
quite awake enough for such a command as that of the
King’s fleet in the Mediterranean, although he
appears the best creature imaginable.

I did not know much of your friend Lord Hood, personally;
but, by his correspondence with me, his activity and
clearness was most conspicuous.

Lady Hamilton and I admire your constancy, and hope
the severe service you have undergone will be handsomely
rewarded.

When I reported to Lord Grenville, in my last dispatch,
the letter I received from you lately, I could not
help giving you the epithet of “thatbrave officer, Captain Nelson.” If you
do not deserve it, I know not who does.

With our love to Sam, I am, ever, dear Sir, your’s,
sincerely,

Wm. HAMILTON.

II.

Palermo, February 13th, 1799.

MY LORD,

Having received an application from this government,
that they might be supplied with lead from on board
the British merchants ships in this harbour, that
have that article on board—­and that, without
the help of about a hundred cantarra of lead,
this country, and the common cause, would be much
distressed—­I am to beg of your Lordship
to use your kind endeavours that this urgent want may
be supplied as soon as possible: well understood,
that the proprietors of this article should be perfectly
satisfied with this government, as to the price of
the lead, freight, &c.

Page 35

I have the honour to be, my Lord, your Lordship’s
most obedient and most humble servant,

Wm. HAMILTON.

III.

Ten thousand thanks for your kind attention in sending
us Hallowell’s letter to Troubridge. It
comforts us in one respect, as it flatters us with
Commodore Duckworth’s four ships joining you
soon. But, I must own, from the junction of five
Spanish ships and frigates, I now think, something
more than going into Toulon is intended, and that
your Lordship may have a brush with them.

God send you every success, that your unparalleled
virtues and bravery so well merit.

IV.

Palermo, May 26th, 1799.

MY DEAR LORD,

Whilst Emma was writing to your Lordship, I have been
with Acton, to get a felucca, to send Ball’s
dispatch to you. It is of so old a date, that
I make no doubt of Ball’s having joined you before
his dispatch reaches.

I send your Lordship an interesting letter I have
just received from our Consul at Trieste: and
Acton’s answer to my yesterday’s letter
communicating your kind resolution of taking care of
their Sicilian Majesties and their kingdoms; and which,
your Lordship will see, gives them great satisfaction.

As to the fleet having been seen by the Towers near
Messina, and to the westward—­I believe,
it was your squadron.

I send you, likewise, a strange rhapsody from Lord
Bristol: but something may be collected from
it; or, at least, it will amuse you, and you have
leisure enough on board, which I have not on shore.
Be so good as to send back that letter, and Graham’s,
by the first opportunity.

Above all, take care of your health; that is the first
of blessings. May God ever protect you!
We miss you heavily: but, a short time must clear
up the business; and, we hope, bring you back to those
who love and esteem you to the very bottom of their
souls.

Ever your affectionate friend, and humble servant,

Wm. HAMILTON.

V.

Palermo, June 17th, 1799.

MY DEAR LORD,

I am happy to receive the packet from Major Magra,
and which I shall instantly send to General Acton.

Nothing has happened, worth telling you, since the
few hours we have been separated.

God bless you, my very dear friend; and my mind tells
me, that you will soon have reason, either by good
news, or by a proper reinforcement sent to you, to
be in a much happier state of mind than you could
possibly be when you left us this morning. All
looks melancholy without you.

Page 36

Ever, my dear Lord, your truly attached friend,

Wm. HAMILTON.

VI.

Palermo, June 20th, 1799.
Eight o’Clock at Night.

MY DEAR LORD,

Having wrote fully by the felucca to-day, that went
off at three o’clock—­and have not
yet General Acton’s answer, with respect to what
the Court would wish you to do when you hear how the
French fleet is disposed of—­I have nothing
to write by the transport.

God bless you! And I hope, somehow or other,
we shall meet again soon.

My dear Lord, your’s, most sincerely,

Wm. HAMILTON.

VII.

Piccadilly, February 19th, 1801.

MY DEAR LORD,

Whether Emma will be able to write to you to-day,
or not, is a question; as she has got one of her terrible
sick head-achs. Among other things that vex her,
is—­that we have been drawn in to be under
the absolute necessity of giving a dinner to ******
on Sunday next. He asked it himself; having expressed
his strong desire of hearing Banti’s and Emma’s
voices together.

I am well aware of the danger that would attend *******
frequenting our house. Not that I fear, that
Emma could ever be induced to act contrary to the
prudent conduct she has hitherto pursued; but the
world is so ill-natured, that the worst construction
is put upon the most innocent actions.

As this dinner must be, or ****** would be offended,
I shall keep it strictly to the musical part; invite
only Banti, her husband, and Taylor; and, as I wish
to shew a civility to Davison, I have sent him an
invitation.

In short, we will get rid of it as well as we can,
and guard against its producing more meetings of the
same sort.

Emma would really have gone any lengths, to have avoided
Sunday’s dinner. But I thought it would
not be prudent to break with ******; who, really,
has shewn the greatest civility to us, when we were
last in England, and since we returned: and she
has, at last, acquiesced to my opinion.

I have been thus explicit, as I know well your Lordship’s
way of thinking; and your very kind attachment to
us, and to every thing that concerns us.

The King caught cold at the Chapel the other day,
and there was no levee yesterday; and, to-day, the
Queen alone will be at the drawing-room: and,
I believe, the new ministry will not be quite fixed,
until the levee-day next week.

As to my business—­I have done all I can
to bring it to a point.

The pension recommended by Lord Grenville was only
like Walpole’s—­a nominal two thousand
pounds. I have represented the injustice of that—­after
my having had the King’s promise of not being
removed from Naples, but at my own request; and having
only empowered Lord Grenville to remove me, on securing
to me a nett income of two thousand pounds per annum.

Page 37

Lord Grenville has recommended to the Treasury, the
taking my extraordinary expences into consideration.

I have fully demonstrated, to Lord Grenville and Treasury,
that eight thousand pounds is absolutely necessary
for the clearing off my unfunded debt, without making
up for my losses.

Upon the whole, then, I do not expect to get more
than the nett annuity above mentioned, and the eight
thousand pounds. But, unless that is granted,
I shall, indeed, have been very ill-used! I hope,
in my next, to be able to inform your Lordship that
all has been finally settled.

I am busy in putting in order the remains of my vases
and pictures, that you so kindly saved for me on board
the Fourdroyant; and the sale of them will enable
me to go on more at my ease, and not leave a debt
unpaid. But, unfortunately, there have been too
many picture sales this year, and mine will come late.

Adieu! my very dear Lord. May health and success
attend you, wherever you go! And, I flatter myself,
this political jumble may hasten a peace, and bring
you back soon.

VIII.

Piccadilly, February 20th, 1801.

MY DEAR LORD,

You need not be the least alarmed, that Emma has commissioned
me to send you the newspapers; and write you a line,
to tell you that she is much better—­having
vomited naturally, and is now purposing to take a
regular one of tartar emetic.

All her convulsive complaints certainly proceed from
a foul stomach; and I will answer for it, she will
be in spirits to write to you herself to-morrow.

Adieu! my very dear Lord. I have not a moment
to lose, as the bell is going.

Your ever attached and obliged humble servant,

Wm. HAMILTON.

IX.

Piccadilly, March 7th, 1801.

MY VERY DEAR LORD,

I wish it was in my power to profit of your kind invitation;
you would soon see me and Emma on board the St. George:
but I am now totally occupied in preparing for the
sale of my pictures, and what I have saved of my vases.

To my great satisfaction, I have found some of the
most capital vases; and which I thought, surely, lost
on board the Colossus. It has comforted me much.

We remain in the same cruel state with respect to
the King’s recovery. There can be no doubt,
but that his Majesty is better. However, if my
conjectures are true, the Regency must soon take place:
as it may be long before his Majesty could be troubled
with business, supposing even his fever to
have totally subsided; and, the times admit of no
delays.

We see, now, the certainty of the French squadron’s
being in the Mediterranean. God knows, how all
this will end! But I hope it will be your Lordship’s
lot to bring Paul to his senses.

Page 38

God send you every success; and send you home, safe
and well, crowned with additional laurels! And
then, I hope, you will repose your shattered frame;
and make your friends happy, by staying with them.

X.

Piccadilly, April 16th, 1801.

What can I say, my Dear Lord! that would convey the
smallest idea of what we felt yesterday, on receiving
the authentic letters confirming your late most glorious
victory: and read, in your own hand, that God
had not only granted you complete success against the
enemies of our country; but, in the midst of such
perils, prevented your receiving the smallest scratch!

We can only repeat what we knew well, and often said,
before—­that Nelson was, is,
and to the last will ever be, the first.

However, we all agree that, when we get you safe home
once more—­that you should never more risk
your shattered frame.

You have done enough, and are well entitled to the
motto of Virgil—­

“Hic Victor caestus artemque
repono.”

The famous Broughton, after he had beaten every opponent,
that dared to measure hard blows with him, set up
an ale-house—­the Broughton’s Head—­in
London, with the above verse of Virgil under it.
Some years after, he was persuaded to accept the challenge
of a coachman, and was beaten.

Not that I mean to convey, that any such thing could
happen to your Lordship; but, you have done enough.
Let others follow your examples; they will be remembered
to the latest posterity.

It appeared to me most extraordinary, that the 6th
inst. the date of your last letter to Emma, the death
of the Emperor Paul (which we have no doubt of here)
should not be known at Copenhagen!

It appears to us that, as soon as that great event
is known in Sweden and Denmark, with the severe blow
you have just given the latter, the formidable giant,
Northern Coalition, will of itself fall to pieces;
and that we shall have the happiness of embracing you
again here, in a very short time.

You would have laughed to have seen what I saw yesterday!
Emma did not know whether she was on her head
or heels—­in such a hurry to tell your great
news, that she could utter nothing but tears of joy
and tenderness.

I went to Davison yesterday morning; and found him
still in bed, having had a severe fit of the gout,
and with your letter, which he had just received:
and he cried like a child! But, what was very
extraordinary, assured me that, from the instant he
had read your letter, all pain had left him, and that
he felt himself able to get up and walk about.

Your brother, Mrs. Nelson, and Horace, dined with
us. Your brother was more extraordinary than
ever. He would get up suddenly, and cut a caper;
rubbing his hands every time that the thought of your
fresh laurels came into his head.

Page 39

In short, except myself, (and your Lordship knows
that I have some phlegm) all the company, which was
considerable, after dinner—­the Duke, Lord
William, Mr. Este, &c.—­were mad with joy.
But, I am sure, that no one really rejoiced more,
at heart, than I did. I have lived too long to
have extacies! But, with calm reflection,
I felt for my friend having got to the very summit
of glory!—­the “Ne plus ultra!”—­that
he has had another opportunity of rendering his country
the most important service; and manifesting, again,
his judgment, his intrepidity, and humanity.

God bless you, my very dear Lord, and send you soon
home to your friends. Enemies you have none,
but those that are bursting with envy; and such animals
infest all parts of the world.

The King, be assured, is (though weak) getting well
fast. Lord Loughborough told Livingston, who
has just been here, that he was with the King the
day before yesterday, before and after delivery of
the seals, and that he was perfectly calm and recollected.

Ever your sincerely attached, and truly obliged, humble
servant,

Wm. HAMILTON.

XI.

Milford, August 12th, 1801.

MY DEAR LORD,

Emma has constantly given me every possible intelligence
relative to your Lordship, and the important operations
you are about at this most interesting moment.

You have already calmed the minds of every body with
respect to the threatened French invasion. In
short, all your Lordship does is complete; like yourself,
and nobody else. But still, I think, there is
no occasion for the Commander in Chief to expose his
person as much as you do. Why should you not
have a private flag, known to your fleet and not to
the enemy, when you shift it and go reconnoitring?

Captain Hopkins, going from hence in the Speedwell
cutter to join your Lordship, will be happy to introduce
himself to you by presenting this letter himself.
They give him a good character in this country, but
my acquaintance with him is but of two days.

I was yesterday with Captain Dobbins, in the Diligence
cutter. We sailed out of this glorious harbour;
and, the day being fine, sailed out some leagues,
and examined the Crow Rock, which is reckoned the
greatest danger as to entering the harbour. But
the two light-houses lately erected take off all danger
in the night; and [it] is visible in the day-time,
except a short time in spring tides.

I am delighted with the improvements at Milford.
It will surely be a great town, if we have peace,
in three years; the houses rising up, like mushrooms,
even in these difficult times. We allow any one
to build—­at their own expence—­at
an easy ground-rent, and to fall in at the expiration
of three lives, or sixty years.

You may judge that, having two thousand acres all
round the town, these inhabitants will want land for
cows and horses, and gardens, &c. and, of course,
I must be a gainer in the end.

Page 40

I visited the two light-houses, and found them perfectly
clean, and in good order: and I never could conceive
the brilliant light that they give; one has sixteen
reflected lights, and the other ten.

To-day, I go upon my last visit to Lord Milford; and,
on Saturday, set out for Piccadilly: and where
I am not without hopes of meeting your Lordship; as
I think, in the manner you dispatch business, you will
have completed all by Wednesday next, the day I shall
probably be in London.

Charles Greville’s kind compliments. The
name of Nelson is in every mouth; and, indeed, we
owe every thing to your judgment and exertions.

XII.

Piccadilly, April 28th, 1802.

MY DEAR LORD,

Emma says—­I must write a letter to you,
of condolence for the heavy loss your Lordship has
suffered.

When persons, in the prime of life, are carried off
by accidents or sickness—­or what is, I
believe, oftener the case, by the ignorance and mistakes
of the physicians—­then, indeed, there is
reason to lament! But as, in the case of your
good Father, the lamp was suffered to burn out fairly,
and that his sufferings were not great; and that,
by his Son’s glorious and unparalleled successes,
he saw his family ennobled, and with the probability,
in time, of its being amply rewarded, as it ought
to have been long ago—­his mind could not
be troubled, in his latter moments, on account of
the family he left behind him: and, as to his
own peace of mind, at the moment of his dissolution,
there can be no doubt, among those who ever had the
honour of his acquaintance.

I have said more than I intended; but dare say, your
Lordship had nearly the same thoughts—­with
the addition of the feelings of a dutiful Son, for
the loss of a most excellent Father.

It is, however, now—­as your Lordship is
the Father of your Family—­incumbent upon
you to take particular care of your own health.
Nay, you are, by the voice of the nation, its first
prop and support.

Keep up your spirits; and, that you may long enjoy
your well-earned honours, is the sincere wish of your
Lordship’s affectionate friend, and attached
humble servant,

Wm. HAMILTON.

Letters

FROM

LORD NELSON

TO

SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B.

Letters OF LORD NELSON, &c.

I.

Bastia, May 24th, 1794.

MY DEAR SIR,

Will you have the goodness to forward the inclosed
to Mr. Brand, and to present my letter to Lady Hamilton?

Every lover of his country will rejoice in our great
and almost unexampled success, to the honour of my
Lord Hood, and to the shame of those who opposed his
endeavours to serve his country.

Page 41

General Stewart, I am happy to say, is just arrived.

We shall now join, heart and hand, against Calvi.
When conquered, I shall hope to pay my respects to
your Excellency at Naples; which will give real pleasure
to your very faithful, and obliged,

HORATIO NELSON.

II.

Agamemnon, Leghorn,
March 11th, 1796.

SIR,

Mr. Wyndham having communicated to Mr. Udney the conversation
of the French minister with the Tuscans, I cannot,
being intrusted by the Admiral with the command of
the small squadron in the Gulph of Genoa, but think
it right for me to beg that your Excellency will apply
for such vessels of war belonging to his Sicilian Majesty,
as may be judged proper to cruize in the Gulph of
Genoa, and particularly off the point of the Gulph
of Especia. Xebecs, corvettes, and frigates,
are the fittest to cruize; and the first have the great
advantage of rowing, as well as sailing, I am told,
very fast.

General [Acton] knows, full as well as myself, the
vessels proper to prevent the disembarkation of troops
on this coast; therefore, I shall not particularly
point them out.

Last campaign, the word flotilla was misunderstood.
I can only say, that all vessels which can sail and
row must be useful; and, for small craft, Port Especia
is a secure harbour.

Whatever is to be done, should be done speedily; for,
by Mr. Wyndham’s account, we have no time to
lose.

If we have the proper vessels, I am confident, the
French will not be able to bring their ten thousand
men by sea; and; should they attempt to pass through
the Genoese territories, I hope the Austrians will
prevent them: but, however, should all our precautions
not be able to prevent the enemy’s possessing
themselves of Leghorn, yet we are not to despair.
Fourteen days from their entry, if the allied powers
unite heartily, I am confident, we shall take them
all prisoners. I am confident, it can—­and,
therefore, should such an unlucky event take place,
as their possessing themselves of Leghorn, I hope,
will—­be done. I have sent to the Admiral.

I am, very lately, from off Toulon; where thirteen
sail of the line, and five frigates, are ready for
sea, and others fitting.

III.

Vanguard, Syracuse, July 20th, 1798.

MY DEAR SIR,

It is an old saying, “The devil’s children
have the devil’s luck.” I cannot
find—­or, to this moment learn, beyond vague
conjecture—­where the French fleet are gone
to. All my ill fortune, hitherto, has proceeded
from want of frigates.

Off Cape Passaro, on the twenty-second of June, at
day-light, I saw two frigates, which were supposed
to be French; and it has been said, since, that a
line-of-battle ship was to leeward of them, with the
riches of Malta on board. But it was the destruction
of the enemy, and not riches for myself, that I was
seeking: these would have fell to me, if I had
had frigates; but, except the ship of the line, I regard
not all the riches in this world.

Page 42

From my information off Malta, I believed they were
gone to Egypt: therefore, on the twenty-eighth,
I was communicating with Alexandria in Egypt; where
I found the Turks preparing to resist them, but knew
nothing beyond report.

From thence I stretched over to the coast of Caramania;
where, not speaking a vessel who could give me information,
I became distressed for the kingdom of the Two Sicilies:
and, having gone a round of six hundred leagues, at
this season of the year, (with a single ship, with
an expedition incredible) here I am, as ignorant
of the situation of the enemy as I was twenty-seven
days ago!

I sincerely hope, the dispatches, which I understand
are at Cape Passaro, will give me full information.
I shall be able, for nine or ten weeks longer, to
keep the fleet on active service, when we shall want
provisions and stores. I send a paper on that
subject, herewith.

Mr. Littledale is, I suppose, sent up by the Admiral
to victual us, and I hope he will do it cheaper than
any other person: but, if I find out that he
charges more than the fair price, and has not the
provisions of the very best quality, I will not take
them; for, as no fleet has more fag than this, nothing
but the best food, and greatest attention, can keep
them healthy. At this moment, we have not one
sick man in the fleet.

In about six days, I shall sail from hence: and,
if I hear nothing more of the French, I shall go to
the Archipelago; where, if they are gone towards Constantinople,
I shall hear of them.

I shall go to Cyprus; and, if they are gone to Alexandretta,
or any other part of Syria or Egypt, I shall get information.

You will, I am sure, and so will our country, easily
conceive what has passed in my anxious mind; but I
have this comfort, that I have no fault to accuse
myself of: this bears me up, and this only.

I send you a paper, where a letter is fixed for different
places: which I may leave at any place; and,
except those who have the key, none can tell where
I am gone to.

July 21.

The messenger is returned from Cape Passaro; and says,
that your letters for me are returned to Naples.
What a situation am I placed in! As yet, I can
learn nothing of the enemy: therefore, I have
no conjecture but that they are gone to Syria; and,
at Cyprus, I hope to hear of them.

If they were gone to the westward, I rely that every
place in Sicily would have information for me; for
it is too important news to leave me in one moment’s
doubt about.

I have no frigate, or a sign of one. The masts,
yards, &c. for the Vanguard, will I hope be prepared
directly: for, should the French be so strongly
secured in port that I cannot get at them, I shall
immediately shift my flag into some other ship, and
send the Vanguard to Naples to be refitted; for hardly
any person but myself would have continued on service
so long in such a wretched state.

Page 43

I want to send a great number of papers to Lord St.
Vincent; but I durst not trust any person here to
carry them, even to Naples.

Pray, send a copy of my letter to Lord Spencer; he
must be very anxious to hear of this fleet.

I have taken the liberty of troubling your Excellency
with a letter for Lady Nelson. Pray, forward
it for me; and believe me, with the greatest respect,
your most obedient servant,

HORATIO NELSON.

Sent on shore, to the charge of the Governor of Syracuse.

IV.

Vanguard, Syracuse, July 22d, 1798.

MY DEAR SIR,

I have had so much said about the King of Naples’s
orders only to admit three or four of the ships of
our fleet into his ports, that I am astonished!
I understood, that private orders, at least, would
have been given for our free admission. If we
are to be refused supplies, pray send me, by many
vessels, an account, that I may in good time take
the King’s fleet to Gibraltar. Our treatment
is scandalous, for a great nation to put up with;
and the King’s flag is insulted at every friendly
port we look at.

I am, with the greatest respect, your most obedient
servant,

HORATIO NELSON.

P.S. I do not complain of the want of attention
in individuals, for all classes of people are remarkably
attentive to us.

Sent on shore, to the charge of the Governor of Syracuse.

V.

Vanguard, Mouth of the Nile,
August 8th, 1798.

MY DEAR SIR,

Almighty God has made me the happy instrument in destroying
the enemy’s fleet; which, I hope, will be a
blessing to Europe.

You will have the goodness to communicate this happy
event to all the courts in Italy; for my head is so
indifferent, that I can scarcely scrawl this letter.

Captain Capel, who is charged with my dispatches for
England, will give you every information. Pray,
put him in the quickest mode of getting home.

You will not send, by post, any particulars of this
action, as I should be sorry to have any accounts
get home before my dispatches.

I hope there will be no difficulty in our getting
refitted at Naples. Culloden must be instantly
hove down, and Vanguard all new masts and bowsprit.
Not more than four or five sail of the line will probably
come to Naples; the rest will go with the prizes to
Gibraltar.

As this army never will return, I hope to hear the
Emperor has regained the whole of Italy.

With every good wish, believe me, dear Sir, your most
obliged and affectionate

HORATIO NELSON.

9th August.

I have intercepted all Buonaparte’s dispatches
going to France. This army is in a scrape, and
will not get out of it.

VI.

Page 44

August 12th, 1798.

MY DEAR SIR,

As the greater part of this squadron is going down
the Mediterranean, we shall not want the quantity
of wine or bread ordered; therefore, what is not already
prepared had better be put a stop to. I will
settle all the matter, if ever I live to see Naples.

I have the satisfaction to tell you, the French army
have got a complaint amongst them—­caused
by the heat, and nothing but water—­which
will make Egypt the grave of the greatest part.

Ever your’s, faithfully,

HORATIO NELSON.

VII.

Vanguard, off Malta;
October 24th, 1798.

MY DEAR SIR,

I am just arrived off this place; where I found Captain
Ball, and the Marquis de Niza. From those officers,
I do not find such an immediate prospect of getting
possession of the town as the ministers at Naples
seem to think. All the country, it is true, is
in possession of the islanders; and, I believe, the
French have not many luxuries in the town; but, as
yet, their bullocks are not eat up.

The Marquis tells me, the islanders want arms, victuals,
mortars, and cannon, to annoy the town. When
I get the elect of the people on board, I shall desire
them to draw up a memorial for the King of Naples,
stating their wants and desires, which I shall bring
with me.

The Marquis sails for Naples to-morrow morning.
Till he is gone, I shall not do any thing about the
island; but I will be fully master of that subject
before I leave this place.

God bless you! is the sincere prayer of

HORATIO NELSON.

VIII.

Vanguard, off Malta,
October 27th, 1798.

MY DEAR SIR WILLIAM,

Although I believe I shall be at Naples before the
cutter, yet I should be sorry to omit acknowledging
your kind letter of the twenty-sixth.

When I come to Naples, I can have nothing pleasant
to say of the conduct of his Sicilian Majesty’s
ministers towards the inhabitants of Malta, who wish
to be under the dominion of their legitimate Sovereign.
The total neglect and indifference with which they
have been treated, appears to me cruel in the
extreme.

Had not the English supplied fifteen hundred stand
of arms, with bayonets, cartouch-boxes, and ammunition,
&c. &c. and the Marquis supplied some few, and kept
the spirit of those brave islanders from falling off,
they must long ago have bowed again to the French yoke.

Could you, my dear Sir William, have believed, after
what General Acton and the Marquis de Gallo had said,
in our various conversations relative to this island,
that nothing had been sent by the Governor of Syracuse—­secretly
(was the word to us) or openly—­to this island?
And, I am farther assured, that the Governor of Syracuse
never had any orders sent him to supply the smallest
article.

Page 45

I beg your Excellency will state this, in confidence,
to General Acton. I shall, most assuredly, tell
it to the King! The justice I owe myself, now
I feel employed in the service of their Sicilian Majesties,
demands it of me; and, also, the duty I owe our gracious
King, in order to shew that I am doing my utmost to
comply with his royal commands.

As I have before stated, had it not been for the English,
long, long ago, the Maltese must have been overpowered.
Including the fifteen hundred stand of arms given
by us, not more than three thousand are in the island.
I wonder how they have kept on the defensive so long.

The Emerald will sail—­in twenty-four hours
after my arrival—­for Malta; at least, two
thousand stand of small arms complete, ammunition,
&c. &c. should be sent by her. This is wanted,
to defend themselves: for offence, two or three
large mortars; fifteen hundred shells, with all necessaries;
and, perhaps, a few artillery—­two ten-inch
howitzers, with a thousand shells. The Bormola,
and all the left side of the harbour, with this assistance,
will fall. Ten thousand men are required to defend
those works, the French can only spare twelve hundred;
therefore, a vigorous assault in many parts, some
one must succeed.

But, who have the government of Naples sent to lead
or encourage these people? A very good—­and,
I dare say, brave—­old man; enervated, and
shaking with the palsy. This is the sort of man
that they have sent; without any supply, without even
a promise of protection, and without his bringing
any answer to the repeated respectful memorials of
these people to their Sovereign.

I know, their Majesties must feel hurt, when they
hear these truths. I may be thought presuming;
but, I trust, General Acton will forgive an honest
seaman for telling plain truths. As for the other
minister, I do not understand him; we are different
men! He has been bred in a court, and I in a
rough element. But, I believe, my heart is as
susceptible of the finer feelings as his, and as compassionate
for the distress of those who look up to me for protection.

The officer sent here should have brought supplies,
promises of protection, and an answer from the King
to their memorials: he should have been a man
of judgment, bravery, and activity. He
should be the first to lead them to glory; and the
last, when necessary, to retreat: the first to
mount the walls of the Bormola, and never to quit it.
This is the man to send. Such, many such, are
to be found. If he succeeds, promise him rewards;
my life for it, the business would soon be over.

God bless you! I am anxious to get this matter
finished. I have sent Ball, this day, to summon
Goza; if it resists, I shall send on shore, and batter
down the castle.

Three vessels, loaded with bullocks, &c. for the garrison,
were taken yesterday; from Tripoli ten more are coming,
but we shall have them.

Page 46

I had almost forgot to mention, that orders should
be immediately given, that no quarantine should be
laid on boats going to the coast of Sicily for corn.
At present, as a matter of favour, they have fourteen
days only. Yesterday, there was only four days
bread in the island. Luckily, we got hold of
a vessel loaded with wheat, and sent her into St.
Paul’s.

This day, I have landed twenty barrels of gunpowder
(two thousand eight hundred pounds) at Malta.

IX.

Palermo, January 10th, 1800.

SIR,

Your Excellency having had the goodness to communicate
to me a dispatch from General Acton; together with
several letters from Girganti, giving an account
that a violence had been committed, in that port,
by the seizing, and carrying off to Malta, two vessels
loaded with corn—­I beg leave to express
to your Excellency my real concern, that even the
appearance of the slightest disrespect should be offered,
by any officers under my command, to the flag of his
Sicilian Majesty: and I must request your Excellency
to state fully to General Acton, that the act ought
not to be considered as any intended disrespect to
his Sicilian Majesty; but as an act of the most absolute
and imperious necessity, either that the island of
Malta should have been delivered up to the French,
or that the King’s orders should be anticipated
for these vessels carrying their cargoes of corn to
Malta.

I trust, that the government of this country will
never again force any of our Royal Master’s
servants to so unpleasant an alternative.

I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect,
your Excellency’s most obedient and faithful
servant,

B.N.

X.

March 8th, 1800.

MY DEAR SIR WILLIAM,

I thank you kindly for all your letters and good wishes.
It is my determination, my health requiring it,
to come to Palermo, and to stay two weeks with you.

I must again urge, that four gunb-oats may be ordered
for the service of Malta; they will most essentially
assist in the reduction of the place, by preventing
small vessels from getting in or out.

I think, from the enemy, on the night of the fourth,
trying and getting out for a short distance, a very
fast-sailing polacca, that Vaubois is extremely anxious
to send dispatches to France, to say he cannot much
longer hold out: and, if our troops, as Captain
Blackwood thinks, are coming from Gibraltar and Minorca,
I have no idea the enemy will hold out a week.

I beg General Acton will order the gun-boats.

Troubridge has got the jaundice, and is very ill.

As I shall so very soon see you, I shall only say,
that I am ever, your obliged and affectionate

Page 47

BRONTE NELSON.

XI.

Palermo, March 30th, 1800.

MY DEAR SIR WILLIAM,

As, from the orders I have given, to all the ships
under my command, to arrest and bring into port all
the vessels and troops returning by convention with
the Porte to France—­and as the Russian ships
have similar orders—­I must request that
your Excellency will endeavour to arrange with the
government of this country, how in the first instance
they are to be treated and received in the ports of
the Two Sicilies: for, it is obvious, I can do
nothing more than bring them into port; and, if they
are kept on board ship, the fever will make such ravages
as to be little short of the plague.

It is a very serious consideration for this country,
either to receive them, or let them pass; when they
would invade, probably, these kingdoms. In my
present situation in the King’s fleet, I have
only to obey; had I been, as before, in the command,
I should have gone one short and direct road to avert
this great evil: viz. to have sent a letter
to the French, and the Grand Vizir, in Egypt, that
I would not, on any consideration, permit a single
Frenchman to leave Egypt—­and I would do
it at the risk of even creating a coldness, for the
moment, with the Turks.

Of two evils, choose the least; and nothing can be
so horrid, as permitting that horde of thieves to
return to Europe.

If all the wise heads had left them to God Almighty,
after the bridge was broke, all would have ended well!
For I differ entirely with my Commander in Chief,
in wishing they were permitted to return to France;
and, likewise, with Lord Elgin, in the great importance
of removing them from Egypt. No; there they should
perish! has ever been the firm determination of your
Excellency’s most obedient and faithful servant,

BRONTE NELSON OF
THE NILE.

XII.

Palermo, April 10th, 1800.

MY DEAR SIR WILLIAM,

Reports are brought to me, that the Spanish ships
of war in this port are preparing to put to sea; a
circumstance which must be productive of very unpleasant
consequences, to both England and this country.

It is fully known, with what exactness I have adhered
to the neutrality of this port; for, upon our arrival
here, from Naples, in December 1798, from the conduct
of his Catholic Majesty’s minister, I should
have been fully justified in seizing those ships.

We know, that one object of the Spanish fleet, combined
with the French, was to wrest entirely from the hands
of his Sicilian Majesty his kingdoms of the Two Sicilies.

The Spaniards are, by bad councils, the tools of the
French; and, of course, the bitter enemy of his Sicilian
Majesty and family.

The conduct I have pursued towards these ships, circumstanced
as they are, has been moderate, and truly considerate
towards his Sicilian Majesty.

Page 48

The time is now come—­that, profiting of
my forbearance, the Spanish ships are fitting for
sea. It is not possible, if they persist in their
preparations, that I can avoid attacking them, even
in the port of Palermo; for they never can, or shall,
be suffered to go to sea, and placed in a situation
of assisting the French, against not only Great Britain,
but also the Two Sicilies.

I have, therefore, to request, that your Excellency
will convey my sentiments on this very delicate subject
to his Sicilian Majesty’s ministers, that they
may take measures to prevent such a truly unpleasant
event happening; which would be as much against my
wish as it can be against their’s: and
I request that your Excellency will, through its proper
channel, assure his Sicilian Majesty, that his safety
and honour is as dear to me as that of our Royal Master.

I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect,
my dear Sir William, your Excellency’s most
affectionate, humble servant,